The Katikiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, Peter Charles Mayiga, has urged the subjects of Buganda to refrain from aligning and supporting politicians and their political agendas that are interested in using the Kingdom and the Kabaka for political relevance.
Speaking from the royal palace in Mengo, during the reading of the Buganda Budget, Katikiro Mayiga expressed deep concern over the growing divisiveness and partisanship that have threatened to undermine the cohesion of the Buganda Kingdom and the Kabaka by some politicians who are trying to take advantage of the Kabaka and the Kingdom to politic.
“Our people have always been defined by our shared values of compassion, respect, and a commitment to the common good, but lately, we have seen the emergence of politicians and factions that seek to divide us along ethnic, religious, and ideological lines for their selfish gain,” Mayiga said.
The Katikiro warned against narrow-minded politicians who think they are important and can use Kabaka for their political and selfish interests. He called on all Baganda to resist the temptation of supporting those who would sacrifice the greater good for personal or parochial interests.
“We are one people, united by our history, our culture, and our aspirations for a better future; it is time for us to rise above the petty squabbles and work together to address the real challenges facing our communities: poverty, healthcare, education, and sustainable development,” Katikiro Mayiga added.
Hajjat Aisha Ssebunya, a local businesswoman, reiterated Katikiro’s sentiments, stating that some politicians have been spreading hatred among the Baganda. She said that their interests are known, emphasising the need to reject these political imposters.
“We must heed his (Mayiga) call and reject those who are dividing us and spreading hate speech; the only way we can defeat them is by standing united and shunning their cheap politics,” Ssebunya said.
The caution follows numerous attacks by Bobi Wine and his supporters, who were using Kabaka’s absence from the public to instigate violence against the kingdom and start sectarian wars on social media.