Frank Nabwiso, a researcher on Busoga history, says the Kyabazinga has always come from two counties namely Bulamogi and Bugabula, and the rivalry between the two is historical. The two counties have rivalled each other in the politics of Busoga from 1949 to today over a period of 65 years now, says Nabwiso. Ever since Kyabazinga Muloki passed on in 2008, Busoga has failed to elect a Kyabazinga who is accepted by all. Six years down the road, Busoga has spent more time in Kyabazingaship wrangles than on any other developmental issue. Former Bugabula North MP Gerald Menya says the Kyabazingaship troubles trace their origins to the confusion that was brought about by the late Muloki wanting to make the institution of the Obwakyabazinga hereditary yet the other chiefs were waiting for their turn on the throne. The Busoga monarchy is a democracy and where there is democracy there is politics, maligning, mudslinging campaigning and money. And its the winner who takes the day. What you people are seeing is democracy at work, says Menya. Observers say what we are seeing are the royals and republicans failing to reach common ground in form of an amicable agreement. Some accuse the government of meddling in the Busoga affairs, an accusation that NRM spokesperson Mary Karoro Okurut denies. Whatever is coming up in Busoga will be handled. NRM has always handled issues in a peaceful way until a conclusion is arrived at, she said. But government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo declined to comment when asked what government was thinking about the Busoga unending Kyabazingaship wrangles. I have no comment, thats not a government issue, he retorted. But preparations are underway to officially crown Prince Gabula the IV as the substantive Kyabazinga. Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kaihura has promised to provide adequate security to ensure there is no disruption at the coronation ceremony. Since the death of Muloki in 2008, Busoga has become a hotspot over the Kyabazingaship, with area politicians using it as a bait to seek recognition and as a test of who calls the shorts in the local politics of the area. Yet, historians say the Busoga intrigues in modern Uganda date back to the 1960s when UPC and DP were at each other throats before the ruling NRM started leveraging on it to win political support.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 10:27:45 +0000
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