The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, warned political parties, especially the National Unity Platform (NUP) party and its leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, to stop attacking the Kingdom and its leadership, but instead embrace the importance of unity and peace within the kingdom. The Kabaka asked the leaders to prioritize the welfare of the people over partisan interests.
During the commemoration of 31 years of his reign, the Kabaka expressed concern over the increasing intertwining of political issues with cultural matters, which he believes undermines the integrity of the kingdom.
However, shortly after the Kabaka’s speech, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the deputy spokesperson of NUP, while on a radio talk show, said that they have never and will never use the kingdom and Kabaka as a political climbing tool.
According to Mufumbiro, the Kingdom and Kabaka have nothing to offer NUP as a political party, adding that even if they respect the Kabaka, they also think he has no greater influence on the party’s political growth.
“We acknowledge the Kabaka’s sentiments and as the leader of Buganda Kingdom, but we also feel that aligning with the Kingdom is political suicide as it chose to support and deal with corrupt people like Mathias Mpuuga,” Mufumbiro said.
He emphasized that as NUP, they expected the kingdom to remain neutral and not side with Mpuuga, free from divisiveness.
“We believe that the monarchy should be a unifying force, but unfortunately, it chose sides and even alienated our president from the celebrations; even our representatives who attended were ignored throughout the function,” Mufumbiro added.
Mufumbiro further said that as NUP, they are working diligently to ensure that they shine politically and ensure that the Kingdom doesn’t get in the way of their politics. He added that it is the reason why they have distanced themselves from Mpuuga and Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga because they believe such elements will deter the party from its political growth.
Earlier this year, during another talk show, Mufumbiro stated that they don’t need kingdoms and that they will do away with them when they assume power because they are not a necessity towards the party’s growth.
Political analysts believe this response from NUP is selfish and not well thought out, especially at such a time when Buganda subjects can see and listen to their Kabaka, who has been out of the country for health reasons.
Analysts argued that NUP is underestimating the power and strength of kingdoms, and they are showing lack of respect to the Kabaka through uttering not well thought out statements, which is political suicide. They advised NUP to get off their high horses and respect the Kingdom and Kabaka.