Buganda Kingdom Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga said the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II is pleased with how the Bagenda have rejected the opportunistic agenda propelled by some individuals to incite his subjects against the leadership at Mengo.
The Katikkiro’s remarks came out this morning during his address to the Kingdom during a Lukiiko conference (Buganda Parliament) at Bulange Mengo, which had convened to receive the Kingdom’s budget for the financial year 2024/25. During his speech, Mayiga delivered a carefully coded message from Kabaka Mutebi in regards to the recent agitation within the Baganda questioning the King’s unprecedented absence from his Kingdom as well as his health condition.
The Buganda King, was last seen in March, just days before his birthday run which happened on April 7, 2024 at Mengo. Kabaka Mutebi has been away from his Kingdom, and situation updates from Mengo have not helped quell the sustained agitation from some members of the public, whom Mayiga now refers to as opportunists propelling a selfish agenda.
“Last evening at 6PM I spoke on phone with the Kabaka: and he is happy about the Kingdom’s progressive plans and he is happy that the people of Buganda have rejected opportunistic individuals who want to use his illness to gain cheap popularity. We have individuals who want to exploit the Kabaka’s illness to achieve selfish interests.” Mayiga said.
Without mentioning names, the Katikkiro lashed at individuals believed to be opposition NUP supporters, who have been verbally attacking him over the Kabaka’s whereabouts and well-being. He wondered why the same people who demanded that the Kabaka should be evacuated to seek treatment abroad are now claiming that the Kabaka is under captivity.
“I think you can now see how opportunistic these people are. They are most of the time finding something to throw at us. They don’t even get ashamed when the truth finally comes out. Do they think the Kabaka is a street kid? The Kabaka is not an ordinary person who can be just kidnapped and taken as a captive” he furiously remarked.
Mayiga said the motive behind the recent agitation is to incite the public into mass protests such that their selfish interests can be achieved. “You know these people! I tell you as your leader, you must be careful with them” he stated.
The Katikkiro who is known to be secretly supporting Hon. Mathias Mpuuga in a political feud within the National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi expressed disgust over the “uncultured behavior” of some leaders who capitalize on abusing their political rivals as a means to stay on top. At the thanksgiving event which Mpuuga held over the weekend and Katikkiro Mayiga was slated to be the chief guest, Kyagulanyi ordered his loyal supporters not to attend.
Nevertheless, the event was well attended. In a generalized message of advice, Mayiga urged the politicians to respect one another and seek reconciliation rather than engaging in endless battles. He said the growing culture of using abusive language within rival politicians threatens the progress of Buganda and Uganda at large.
“And I tell you the voters are watching: Have a conversation over a cup of coffee and discuss as mature people” Mayiga advised.