The Kingdom of Busoga has restored an article in the kingdom’s constitution, allowing an enthroned king to reign until death.
The Eastern Uganda Kingdom is run on a constitutional monarchy which was promulgated in 2000 providing for life long kingship.
However, following conflicts over who would replace the late Henry Waako Wambuzi Mulooki as king, in 2008, the Chief Royal Council chaired by the chief Prince Mr. Sam Zirabamuzaale, scrapped life kingship and instead provided a five year term for a king, in an attempt to provide an inclusive and all round leadership across the 5 chiefdoms eligible. This saw His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope, the current Kyabazinga (king) enthroned.
In a chiefs Royal Council meeting held at the Kingdom headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja district on Saturday 23rd August, 2014, a proposal to remove the 5 – year term was tabled and since then, discussions and consultations have been ongoing.
In a session chaired by the Speaker of the Kingdom’s ‘Lukiiko’, Owek George William Mutyabule yesterday, the same chiefs unanimously agreed that there is need for stability and continuity in the leadership of the Kingdom, which prompted them to reinstate lifelong reign.
According to the Kingdom’s Spokesperson and Minister of Information, Ow’ek. Andrew Mpange, the move by the chiefs is a wise one and will solve any conflict which would emerge in succession.
“We got a lot of problems in finding the late Mulooki’s successor but this time a solution has been provided”, said Mpange in a telephone interview with Softpower.
Owek. Mpange further applauded the Kingdom for its democratic practices.
“We are the only Democratic Kingdom in the world, decisions are taken and reached by the majority”, added Mpange.
When asked about public reaction to the move, Owek. Mpange said that the king’s subjects welcomed the decision reached with many suggesting that Busoga needed to move out of succession politics, and embark on development.
It’s now nine years since the death of His Majesty Waako Wambuki Mulooki, who was widely seen as a father and a uniting factor to all chiefs of the eleven chiefdoms in Busoga who almost went for each others’ neck after his death in an attempt to succeed him.
Will the new succession developments restore love and unity in the Kingdom as projected?