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Making Sense of Hon. Beti Kamya's Federal ideas |
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Written by Moses Kalanzi
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Sunday, 10 May 2009 17:21 |
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Its is now official , what started as a rumour is now an established fact and has translated into a major discourse on Uganda's political future with particular interest in Buganda. The idea fronted by embattled Rubaga South MP Hon Beti Kamya for a biding political agreement with political parties to ensure the survival of Kingdoms come 2011. Hon Kamya suggests ratification of Mengo and other Kingdom relationships with the Centre by biding legal agreements to derive political accountability calculated to offset the equal distribution of resources for development.
According to Hon. Kamya the stability of Uganda depends much on the stability of Buganda and therefore suggests that politicians seeking election to power in Buganda should broker a deal with the Kingdom based on a number of agreed resolutions including supporting the Kingdom on crucial matters of national significance.
Kamya's suggestion comes amidst the strife between the Centre and Mengo as the Kingdom demands for its properties and a federal system of government with the later appearing relucatant to grant the concessions. While Kamya has recieved enough criticism , she appears to have gained wide support in Buganda and while she has been branded a ruthless tribalist she appears not moved by the criticism . Whether Kamya is a parochialist or a nationalist, her idea of equitable distribution of resources based on a regional grid appears as a more concerted effort for political accountability with checks and balances at regional level to deal with the excesses of poor governance with the obvious failure of the local governments to counter the excesses of the central government. Kamya's idea seems to expose institutionalised tribalism which many Ugandans do not want to speak about with zest for tribal interests which when channeled through the right alleys can produce the medicine for africa's chief enemy bad governance. It is unfair to the Baganda if the Banyankore irrespective of political inclination and religion meet monthly in Amanya Mushega's Ekigaaniro. Doesn't it strike peculiar when the people of Western Uganda unite as a block. Wasn't Mushega's position in FDC a result of his political support from the Ebigaaniro? Wasn't the FDC constitution bended to accomodate his position.. What about Muniini Mulera who is mobilisisng Banyakigezi allover the globe to meet to discuss the future of the Bakiga. Aren't Dr. Besigye , Jack Sabiiti, Garuga Musinguzi and others member of Mulera's Banyakigezi association. Kacoke Madit of the Acholi strikes as yet another of the regional bargaining power brokers. I have attended one of the meetings of the Greater North Association an umbrella of all people of Northern Uganda and was surprised by the cordial atmosphere between members of the opposition and members of the NRM. Likewise the Buganda Coneference though poorly attended by members from the NRM was a majestic step in the furtherance of Hon. Kamya's ideas. While Buganda has more than 60 MP's and hold 30% of Mr. Museveni's vote quota , Buganda leaders in government lack the capacity to effect discussion on Buganda's critical issues while their colleagues from other areas can find time in parliament to discuss about the plight of cattle in Ankore and the land issues in Bunyoro.While Hon. Otto isn't ashamed of speaking about the plight of IDP's, members from Uganda's sleeping giant even with the speaker of parliament from their own stock can have the audacity to question Mengo's position on critical issues. They confess blind loyalty to the NRM than their ancestors. They can keep quiet and even strive to block debate on the blocking of the Kabaka from Buruuli. They proffess to love the King and swear Awangaale but with a hidden agenda supported by those who have blocked the Federo arrangement for ages.
Meanwhile Hon. Beti Kamya has emulated the Uganda Federal Confederates and has started the Uganda Federal Alliance tasked with the circulation of the Federal idea in the Country. Kamya's idea has gained momentum in the country especially now as the country nears the 2011 polls.
Moses Kalanzi
Kampala
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Looking for Mr Right (7)
