The Kabaka, the Monarch of Buganda, is a very powerful traditional overlord in the Republic of Uganda.
Politicians who are perceived to have the support of the Kabaka easily win their elections and politicians are cashing in on the magic of the name.
Amid the fever in the preparations towards the 2016 elections, sitting MPs are feeling the heat of the Kabaka’s name which aspiring MPs are using in their campaign to sack sitting MPs from office.
But not willing to forego their juicy seats, the old MPs have appealed to the Kabaka to call the aspiring MPs to order and stop them using the name of the Monarch to feather their campaign.
So some MPs from the Buganda Caucus in Parliament last week paid a courtesy call on Mengo last week, and appealed to the Katikkiro of Buganda, Mr Charles Peter Mayiga, to prevail on their rivals who use the Kabaka’s name for their selfish interest.
“Owekitiibwa, so many of our rivals are now using the Kabaka’s name and telling our voters that the Kabaka has sent them to stand against us. They speak with authority and convince everyone that they have been sent by Mengo yet we have stood with the kingdom all through. Please prevail over them,” Caucus Chair Godfrey Kiwanda, said.
His plea was eagerly supported by all the other members of the delegation who said they were faced with similar challenges of their rivals hoodwinking the public that “they work for the kingdom and have the blessings of the Kabaka to stand against us.”
However, the Katikkiro, the traditional Prime Minister of the Buganda Kingdom, Mr Mayiga, politely declined to interfere with the political campaigns of the aspiring MPs.
“As much as I am concerned, there is no way I will stop them because you (MPs) yourselves have on several occasions used the Kabaka’s name to advance your interests without seeking authorisation from him.”
Of course what is good for the goose should also be good for the gander.
The pre-eminence of the Kabaka can be gleaned from the fact the meeting was a well attended by the MPs. Even those who had previous commitments went there briefly and delivered their apologies in person that they would not be in position to attend the meeting.
Those out of the country communicated to a colleague, Mr Kiwanda who delivered their apologies on their behalf.