Uganda’s current president Yoweri Museveni restored monarchies like Buganda and Toro in 1993 but obviously did not restore the kingdoms to their former glory. The kingdoms have a cultural function and answer to the Ugandan Constitution. Museveni claims a desire to unite Ugandans was behind his decision to restore monarchies, yet it is rather curious that this is a privilege for a chosen few. The Kingdom of Ankole, from where the President hails himself, has been refused the honor of restoration.
Restoration of Monarchies in Uganda
Restoration has not had a clear policy but rather seems based on political strategy. The most recent development is the recognition of the Kingdom of Rwenzururu in October 2009, an action that was probably linked to garnering support in the upcoming 2011 presidential elections.
Buganda, which greeted the 1993 restoration of the monarchies has quickly come to realize that not everything is what it seems. Relations with the Uganda Government are strained culminating in riots in which several people were killed in September 2009. The riots were sparked off when the Kabaka was withheld from visiting one of the counties in his Kingdom. In March 2010, the government would close down the Central Broadcasting Station, a local radio station affiliated to the Buganda Government, claiming that it incited the 2009 riots.
And now the Kasubi Tombs that have served as the final resting place for Buganda’s Kings for 128 years went up in flames on March 16, 2010, stoking up the resentment that has been festering in Buganda. Accusations have not been lacking that the government had a role to play in this tragedy but this would be rather far-fetched as the tombs were also a national pride and a UNESCO world heritage site.
Uganda Monarchies and The Role They Can Play in Development
It is clear that monarchies can dangerously divide Uganda if misused. No one would like to turn back the hands of time, but it is imperative that these institutions can contribute to the overall development of the country. A clear national strategy is required to ensure that no area of Uganda feels left out. Barring that, one might wonder whether they should all be abolished once again instead.
Kingdoms offer an effective decentralization system for the development of Uganda. According to Prof. Emmanuel K. Twesigye, and representatives of pro-federalists such as Mr. Apollo Makubya, attorney general of Buganda Kingdom, restored kings should be given full authority to govern, tax, discipline their subjects and those people who live under their jurisdiction, except as exempted by the federal laws. The federal laws should outline the constitutional duties and powers of the local governments, including kings and their legislatures. Those areas without kings should be allowed to elect and institute the equivalent of kings or governors who will have the same powers and legal privileges as kings.
Uganda Monarchies: The Federal Government Solution
In short, Uganda would be a federal government. There would be a strong central government, and the local kingdoms and regional governments would be accorded sufficient power to develop their areas, including the establishment of schools, universities, banks and media communication-networks. Defense, highways, laws, coining money and foreign relations, trade and certification of education and the like would remain a federal obligation.
Whether one would agree with Prof. Twesigye or not, it cannot be denied that kingdoms are a vital channel for the preservation of local culture that might otherwise be sidelined by modernization and global influences. Local language, dress, dance and music find patronage under these kingdoms and are thus passed on from one generation to the next with pride.
It is up to the Ugandan Government to develop a clear policy for the side-by-side existence of monarchies and central government and involve the people of Uganda in the development of such a policy. It was the present government that restored the monarchies and the same government could be accused of leaving the question open like the festering wound that other issues such as corruption have become if no clarity is brought into the picture, in essence, of failing in its mission to unite Ugandans through the restoration of monarchies.
See also
Culture Uganda: Two Royal Birthdays and One Low-Key Celebration
References
Linking Buganda’s Quest for Federalism to Kasubi Attack. By Apollo N. Makubuya. Daily Monitor Uganda, March 26, 2010.
African Monarchies and Kingdoms of Uganda. By Prof. Emmanuel K. Twesigye, OWU. 1995.
Uganda Monarchies: Two Royal Birthdays and One Low-Key Celebration. By Linda Besigiroha. Suite101. April 18, 2010.
