Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo on Thursday morning March 31, 2022, arrived at Bulange Mengo, Kampala to visit the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, Ow’ekitiibwa Charles Peter Mayiga.
Dollo was accompanied by former Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Olara Otunnu.
At Bulange, they were received by Prime Minister Mayiga before engaging in closed door talks.
The visit follows an incident in Muyenga, a Kampala suburb, where he castigated those who have been tormenting deceased Speaker Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah.
While speaking to mourners who had come to pay their respects to the deceased Speaker, 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.
Mayiga issued a statement saying the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has never used a presidential jet.
In response, Dollo apologized to the Kabaka saying he was driven by grief and pain.
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”.
Today’s visit is expected to streamline these issues and restore good relations between the two parties.