President Museveni held a lengthy discussion with cultural leaders on November 18 under their umbrella body, Forum of Kings and Cultural Leaders of Uganda. At the meeting, Museveni and the cultural leaders agreed to support the regional tier system of governance but failed to agree on the remittance of royalties from natural resources to cultural institutions.

The President was chief guest at the closure of a two-day meeting of the newly formed forum held at Masindi Hotel. All cultural leaders present noted that they were impoverished despite the resources in their respective kingdoms, which are being exploited by the Central Government.

“This forum appeals to government to restitute payment to kings, traditional rulers and cultural leaders royalty on forests, game reserves, plantation agriculture, minerals and other resources which were formally paid to them,” the royals said in their memorandum.

Aware of the legal landscape governing royalties in Uganda, the cultural leaders requested for an amendment of the Constitution and other laws to make their demands possible.
“We urge government to make changes to the Constitution and other relevant laws to ensure that legally, kings, traditional rulers and cultural leaders are entitled to royalties from natural resources in their respective kingdoms,” they requested.

The Chairman of the Forum, King of Bunyoro, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, also emphasised the issue of royalties in his speech, pressing government to particularly consider Bunyoro’s share of the oil reserves.
However, the President insisted that by law, cultural institutions are not entitled to any royalties from natural resources.

He said only the respective districts are entitled.  The President added that even under the regional tier system, which comes into force next financial year, royalties will be paid to regional governments and not cultural institutions.

The regional tier idea emerged after the government rejected Buganda’s demand for a federal status, following protracted talks. The regional tier was seen as a compromise position, but Buganda Kingdom which initially accepted, has since backtracked and is opposed to the proposal. President Museveni was hesitant to talk about his acrimonious relationship with Buganda Kingdom. He only said that his cabinet had finalised a draft law on cultural leaders.

On the mushrooming kingdoms and chiefdoms, Museveni told the meeting that he will recognise many more kingdoms and chiefdoms as long as people demand to have them.
“Any area that wants to have their own king should do what Kayunga and Nakasongola district councils did. I will grant the people’s request and people will have their own king as long as it has a backing of the respective district council,” he said.

Prince John Barigye of Ankole asked the government to recognise his Ankole Kingdom. Omukuuka Wash Joseph Kanyanyi of the Bamasaaba also asked the President to recognise him and his kingdom.
Prince Barigye further asked the government to return Ankole’s royal regalia, which he said is currently lying in the Uganda Museum. Museveni asked the two leaders to channel their requests through their respective district councils.

KINGS’ FM RADIO

The cultural leaders also resolved that their forum sets up an FM radio station to promote unity, generate income and preserve culture. Prince Barigye argued that it may not be possible and desirable for each cultural institution to start a radio but it can be possible for the forum to set up one to preserve culture.

Notably absent were the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, and Oyo Nyimba Rukiidi IV of Toro, while Charles Wesley Mumbere of the Rwenzururu Kingdom sent a representative.

The meeting was attended by the host, Omukama of Bunyoro, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru; Rwot David Onen Acani of Acholi; Isabanyala Baker Kimeze Mpagi Byalufu; the cultural leader of Japadhola, Tienga Moses Adhola; a representative from Rwoth Philip Ubimu Olaker of Alur; Prince Barigye of Ankole; Isabaruuli Mwogezi Butamanya of Buruuli; Kamuswaga Apollo Ssansa of Kooki chiefdom; Omukuuka Joseph Wash Kanyinyi of Bamasaaba; Royal Prince Kakume Misitwa, a representative from Busoga; and a representative from the Emorimor (King) of Teso.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Comments (16)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comments

Don't apy them from our sweat
written by Henry F Mulindwa , November 25, 2009

A Kings' Fm Radio? What a laughable idea! Locate it where? Broadcast in which language? Promote whose culture?

Yes,let whoever wants to be chief or king be, as long as taxpayers' money does not sustain these chiefdoms.We have enough burdens:paying a batallion of useless ministers and an army of dormant MPs and RDCs.

If these chiefs do not serve us why should we pay them 5m/= a month? A doctor or teacher who serves the people in hard conditions goes home with peanuts! Let the Bill for these cultural leaders categorically spell this fact out. Karamoja must not pay for the comfort of Mumbere, Buganda must not pay for Mwogezabutamanya, Bunyoro must not pay for Kimeze and so on...

KING MUTEBI THE GREAT
written by Mayanja C , November 25, 2009

Forum of Kings and Cultural Leaders of Uganda. Hahahaa! King Mutebi should not belong to this fake forum.It is a forum of confused kings and self-proclaimed kings (Kimeze and Mwogezabutamanya).

Such a forum which is headed by Museveni who will never be a King at all is intended to confuse cultural leaders with politics and money and force them to be NRM supporters. Kabaka Mutebi is extremely above this kind of arrangement.

If Museveni wants to meet the Kabaka, he has to first call him. A head of state welcome is then accorded to the Kabaka as if visits.

About salaries, Mutebi doesnot need a salary from this corrupt government.Buganda has many avenues through which it generates income to sustain the Kabaka.On top of that, the Baganda can mobilise and bring gifts to their King.So King Mutebi is not worried of money.

The King's FM radio is a good idea but Buganda doesnot need it.Buganda was the first Kingdom to come up with a radio station (CBS).So King Mutebi has his own radio station and doesnot need to be part of that proposed radio.

I thank King Mutebi for not joining such a silly meeting of confused Kings.

Self-indulgence
written by Freddie , November 25, 2009

If Ugandans continue to put their personal interests and families before National Interests, Uganda, and Africa as a whole, will continue to cry. “O Almighty God open our eyes so that we can see where we have not reached”

Mr. President, my family too would like to become a Chiefdom over a cold beer with the LCs in my house, all okayed my idea, when should I come to State House for confirmation?”

Fellow Ugandan, lets guide our president in the right way, much as our stomachs demand food, our Nation should come fast. One time, the president said that “Kingdoms failed to defend this Nation and Africa as a whole from colonialists, Why is he now creating even the non-existed ones?

What point does this make? Let’s have a hope for the future. Mr. President, you stand a chance and have less stress if you do what is right and in the law.

Buganda has a lot to protect, and so we should stick to that. Let’s not be shaken, nor fear, let’s use all what is to our exposure to work for the good of our nation. Mr. President, please go back to the drawing board review your goals, put the country fast, God will reward you.

Banyoro Get a Grip
written by Eric L. , November 26, 2009

The Banyoro are my grand parents but you have remained to take others vomits because of intrigue with Buganda.

Indeed by hosting this whatever the name forum,you thought you would cash in but even that oil will be mined complete and you will be like the gold miners in SA,getting peanuts from your resources as individuals of the system reap right from provision of security to selling oil itself.

Instead of working hard and opening your eyes,you instead specialise in witchcraft,sending Mirima Ford to scratch new wounds with Buganda in form of having crusades of "Buganda suceded from Bunyoro",supporting families that claim kingship within Buganda like Baker Kimeze........

Let me warn you,the Sabagabe has made self clear,more chiefdoms will be formed,I will soon claim to be the "Sabafuta" in Hoima and Gafabusa should welcome me to his foras.
By the way I wonder why names of new "traditional rulers" are "Sa's" is it to weaken our own Luganda??

Why not Ga's,Ha's as so that they show a relationship with their backers??

I cant put it better other than re-echo Serumaga's words that as long the present Banyoro cant be like their grand,Kabalega,you are doomed to worse than what you have been telling,oil curse wars.

ROYALTIES
written by Jim K , November 26, 2009

This just a wakeup call to the Omukama of Bunyoro : While its apparent the government is using you and your kingdom to suppress Buganda,very little if any will benefit your people as result of exploitation of oil.Why dont you give FEDERO another thought ?

Opportunists
written by Mugisha , November 26, 2009

It was Buganda Kingdom that started the negotiations. Without Buganda kingdom or a mention of this Kingdom, a number of other cultural leaders gather together to see what they can make out of this.

I tell you, I have never seen such disgusting opportunists. What happenned to the great wisdom of African Kings of yesteryears?

BUNYORO- BUGANDA ARE BLOOD BROTHERS
written by Kalooli muzukulu wa Nkali , November 26, 2009

Kabalega the great and Mwanga the great together put up the last stand against the white Sserwajjokwota,that a fact.
It is high time their great grand sons emulated their now officially recognized Uganda heroes

fake kings
written by Nakabungo , November 26, 2009

Poor 'kings' they're being hoodwinked into believing that they're at the same level as Omutanda.Just show me one person or group of people dictator Museveni has worked with and parted on good terms.You will be used and at the right time discarded like old linnen. Era ddala Butamanya!awangaale Nantakwata ssimu!

Who is a King? who is a Cultural/Traditional Leader?
written by Stephen Kakooza , November 27, 2009

The People of Bunyoro should guide the Omukama if they are still interested in thier Kingdom.I respect the Tooro Kingdom for being fore sighted and keen to learn from Buganda the difference between money and culture.

If Bunyoro was to focus ahead, it stands to benefit more from Federal than any other region after the discovery of oil. The Omukama should know that "Kings dont beg" Nobody will respect a begger.

Kings only associate with their equals and because of their popularity they are supported by their people not forming SACCOS to get money from President Museveni (a lay man from Ankole), heading just a political party.

The Omukama does not seem to love his people and to prepare them beyond himself. Bakiga are taking over Bunyoro when he is being used to fight old wars with Buganda. The Oil is being mined without negotiating for environmental compasation for his people who are very soon will be crying like the OGONIs in Nigeria.

NRM is busy acquiring Land in Bunyoro and passing a Land bill to protect Land grabbers when he is asking for fevours from the same thieves. Have advisors who live and work in Bunyoro not the Likes of Mulima who cannont even spend a night in Bunyoro to attend a LUKURATO meeting. He is ever rushing to come back to "his home" read Kampala.

Omukuuka
written by Geoffrey , November 27, 2009

"Omukuuka Wash Joseph Kanyanyi of the Bamasaaba also asked the President to recognise him and his kingdom".
Which kingdom is this chap talking about. I was born a mugishu but frankly i have never had of this crap before. Why is the M7 creating kingdoms which are not going to be beneficial to the local man. The bamasaaba have been leaving in peace without this kind of crap. We don't want the same confusion in busoga to be transfered to our region.
What M7 has done to destroy the pride of our former district is enough so adding this kigdom confusion will be like kicking somebody that is already on the ground!!

What went wrong with Banyoro?
written by Mukalazi , November 27, 2009

Now you Banyoro whatever bewitched you must have got the best concotion!! At this crucial time instead of joining Buganda in a stronger crusade for a Fedaral system you have chosen instead to join the Kimeze & Mwogezabutamanya? For what? Do you think that M7 will ever give you a dime for that OIL?
Cant you realise that self-governance is more valuable than ''payment of rayalities'' you are asking for? Come on Banyoro dont stoop so low!!

A COUNCIL OF CONFUSED CHIEFS
written by Mbikko Fred , November 28, 2009

Please, let us stop calling this group of confused chiefs KINGS!!! They are just a bunch of dramatists ala Katembaists/Dikuulas! Infact, I support the suggestion that each ethnic group of those confused chiefs should meet the stipends of their respective dramatists. Why should for instance Baganda and the majority Banyara and Baluli taxpayers meet the stipends of Kimeze and Mwogezabutamanya??? I am also appealing to Kimeze Mpagi to drop the Kiganda names and adopt what he thinks are Kinyala names!!! Twakoowa!!!

...
written by kabayekka , November 28, 2009

That is the sort of Bunyoro Kingdom the British found and discovered very wanting. It still believes that colonialism is still beckoning to help it.

KING BOWING TO A MERE DICTATOR
written by Doreen Kisokumi , November 28, 2009

Look at the posture of Omukama of Bunyoro when he's greeting Museveni.
Looks like he's bowing to the president.

Unbelievable, a King bowing to a president!!!!!!

WAS IT REAL?
written by faddy , November 29, 2009

THESE SO CALLED 'KINGS' AND 'TRADITIONAL RULERS' ARE BECOMING A LAUGHING STOCK. HOW IN THE NAME OF TRADITION DO YOU START BEGGING FOR ROYALTIES?!

EVEN WITH THE MANY PROMINENT BANYORO AROUND THEIR KING HAS TO BOW TO THE PRESIDENT TO GET SOME LOOSE CHANGE FOR HIS UP KEEP- KITALO NYO - THIS IS HOW FAR CULTURE AND TRADITION HAS BEEN REDUCED.

ROYALTIES ARE SUPPOSED TO COME FROM YOUR SUBJECTS(AMAKULA) AND PROPERTY YOU OWN AS A KINGDOM. AS LONG AS WE BAGANDA CONTINUE TO EXIST WE WILL NEVER AND WON'T ALLOW OUR KING TO BE ENTICED INTO SUCH SIMPLISTIC DEMAGOGUERY POCKET CHANGE SCHEMES.THE REST CAN TRY THEM OUT AND AM SURE THEY WILL LIVE TO TELL.

FOR THOSE IN GOVT WHO CAME UP WITH THIS PROJECT - IT WAS PURE UNADULTERATED DAFTNESS AND DID WASH OFF.IT SHOWS HOW FAR YOU HAVE TO WORK TO UNDERSTAND THE BAGANDA;THESE THINGS ARE NOT ALL ABOUT MONEY BUT TRADITION AND CULTURE.

MY SIMPLE ADVICE TO THESE 'KINGS', 'CHIEFS,' 'SABANYALAS','SABARULIS' AND WHATEVER ...... DON'T LOOK FOR PRIVILEGES AND ENTITLEMENTS LIKE POLITICIANS BUT STRIVE TO GET WHAT RIGHTLY BELONGS TO YOU-THAT IS IF YOU HAVE IT IN THE FIRST PLACE.

FADDY UK

Nantakwata ssimu!
written by faddy , November 29, 2009

today I found out another modern title for our KING- NANTAKWATA SISIMU!I request you to add it to the KABAKA'S titles.
Thanks Ms Nakabugo.

faddy

Show/Hide comment form