Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alphonse Owiny Dollo, has apologized to the Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, for remarks he made at Speaker Jacob Oulanyah’s vigil in Muyenga, a Kampala suburb.
While speaking to mourners who had come to pay their respects to the deceased Speaker, Chief Justice Dollo said that it was wicked for some people to protest the decision to fly Oulanyah to the US when the “ethnic leader of one of the groups” was at one time flown aboard the presidential jet to get treatment in Germany.
Social media quickly erupted with National Unity Platform (NUP) members protesting what they termed as “tribal sentiments” accusing the Chief Justice of attacking the Kabaka of Buganda.
Buganda Kingdom Katikkiro (Prime Minister), Charles Peter Mayiga, issued a statement saying the Kabaka has never used a presidential jet.
This was reinforced by NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, who demanded for an apology from the Chief Justice “to His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda, about whom he lied and accused of flying in a presidential jet”.
However, some members of the NRM who spoke on condition of anonymity said the time Kabaka traveled aboard the KLM airline was not the only time he had flown out.
“Many times, President Museveni’s right hand does not get to know what his left hand is doing, so, we may never know whether the Kabaka was flown on the jet or not. What we know for a fact is that he, too, has received support but President Museveni can never say,” our source said.
In a statement released on Monday, March 28, 2022, Dollo apologized to the Kabaka saying he was driven by grief and pain.
“Last week, during the vigil held at the home of the fallen Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah, I made a speech that was Laden with unbearable grief and pain for the demise of our departed brother,” Dollo noted.
He said this grief and pain (were) exacerbated by those who had exhibited unthinkable callousness while the Speaker was fighting for his life, and, have continued to do so even when he lies dead.
“I castigated the perpetrators of these evil deeds in no uncertain language. However, in the course of this emotional expression, I made a wrong and inappropriate reference to His Majesty, the Kabaka of Buganda.”
“I hereby unequivocally, unreservedly, and of my free volition, wholly retract that reference; and also hereby tender my apology to His Majesty, the Kabaka. I will immediately hereafter communicate to the Katikkiro of Buganda in writing, registering this apology.”
Otherwise, he went on, “I stand firm in my castigation of those who mercilessly tormented Jacob Oulanyah at the time he needed compassion most; and, who continue to inexplicably dance on his grave”.
He reiterated that this contravenes the much-cherished African culture and it must be condemned by all people of goodwill.
He also reiterated the statement he made about his admiration of, and long-standing association with, the people of Buganda among whom he has lived for the greater part of his life.
“I call upon them to be wary of people who are now seen as representing the views of Buganda but instead tarnish the great name of Buganda. On this, I speak from experience; the Acholi having suffered the tragic repercussions caused in part by our failure to shun and restrain those who were ill-placed to occupy a position as opinion leaders influencing the course of events in our society, for which we have paid a heavy price.”
“I reiterate my appeal to the people of Buganda to learn from our experience. In this regard, I do profusely hail Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga for his press release which has demonstrated maturity, magnanimity, soberness, and a conciliatory tone.”
Dollo said that reflects and displays the true nature of the Buganda he has always proudly associated himself with given the tone of communication by the Rt Hon Katikkiro.
“We can now all in harmony accord the Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah a dignified funeral, concluding with his burial to which everyone is most welcome to attend,” he concluded.
FULL STATEMENT
Last week, during the vigil held at the home of the fallen Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah, I made a speech that was Laden with unbearable grief and pain for the demise of our departed brother.
This grief and pain (were) exacerbated by those who had exhibited unthinkable callousness while the Speaker was fighting for is life, and, have continued to do so even when he lies dead.
I castigated the perpetrators of these evil deeds in no uncertain language.
However, in the course of this emotional expression, I made a wrong and inappropriate reference to His Majesty, the Kabaka of Buganda.
I hereby unequivocally, unreservedly, and of my free volition, wholly retract that reference; and also hereby tender my apology to His Majesty, the Kabaka.
I will immediately hereafter communicate to the Katikkiro of Buganda in writing, registering this apology.
Otherwise, I stand firm in my castigation of those who mercilessly tormented Jacob Oulanyah at the time he needed compassion most; and, who continue to inexplicably dance on his grave.
I reiterate that this contravenes our much-cherished African culture and it must be condemned by all people of goodwill. I also reiterate the statement I made about my admiration of, and long-standing association with, the people of Buganda among whom I have lived for the greater part of my life.
I call upon them to be wary of people who are now seen as representing the views of Buganda but instead tarnish the great name of Buganda.
On this, I speak from experience; the Acholi having suffered the tragic repercussions caused in part by our failure to shun and restrain those who were ill-placed to occupy position as opinion leaders influencing the course of events in our society, for which we have paid a heavy price.
I reiterate my appeal to the people of Buganda to learn from our experience. In this regard, I do profusely hail Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga for his press release which has demonstrated maturity, magnanimity, soberness, and a conciliatory tone.
That reflects and displays the true nature of the Buganda I have always proudly associated myself with given the tone of communication by the Rt Hon Katikloro, we can now all in harmony accord the Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah a dignified funeral, concluding with his burial to which everyone is most welcome to attend.
