By Johnson Kanyesige
Clan heads in Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom have welcomed the move of involving them in finding a solution to the ongoing leadership standoff at the helm of the oldest cultural institution in the country.
The Attorney general Kiryowa Kiwanuka recently told media that the remedy to the ongoing dispute between the embattled Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaaga and the Chief Prince (Okwir) Fred Mugenyi Rucunya over the administration of kingdom affairs is in the hands of clans.
Now, a section of clan heads who spoke to our reporter Wednesday morning have confirmed receiving invitations to be part of the clan meeting scheduled this Saturday September 21, 2024 in an attempt to arrive at a solution of ending the leadership fracas in the Kingdom.
Francis Atugonza the head of Ababyasi clan confirms he will attend the Saturday meeting with optimism that it will provide lasting solution to the fracas in the Kingdom adding that all issues pertaining kingdoms are solved culturally.
Atugonza argues that clans carry a significant role in solving kingdom disputes.
Nebba Byaruhanga, the head of Abakurungo clan notes that he is currently consulting clan members to arrive at a common clan opinion regarding the standoff adding that what subjects want is sanity and agreement in the oldest Kingdom.
Johnson Kusiima Baingana, the head of Abasonde clan notes that as clan heads they can impact enormously to restore sanity amidst the ongoing standoff.
Kusiima says as subjects they are feeling concerned with what is currently happening in the kingdom and believes the clans will look at what is the right thing for the kingdom.
Recently, the Chief Prince elected a new interim cabinet that was later sworn into office.
According to Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom sources, by September 17, 2024 there were only 21 registered clans. These include Abaseke, Abanati, Abahinda, Abayaga, Abahango, Abagabu, Bakorongo/Baami, Bayanja, Beeri, Bacwezi, Basambo, Abakwonga, Abahunga, Baligira-Bazira-Bafunjo, Babyansi, Basonde, Babiito, Badwaaro, Bajangi, Basengya and Bakurungo.
It is not clear whether only these registered clans will attend the Saturday meeting or even other clans.
But, over the weekend, embattled Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaaga, rejected the appointment and swearing-in of an interim cabinet by Chief Prince Fred Mugenyi Ruchunya, calling the move “inconsequential” and lacking legal authority.
During a press briefing on Sunday, Byakutaaga addressed concerns raised by kingdom subjects over the legitimacy of the new appointments.
He clarified that only the Omukama, as the cultural head, has the authority to appoint or remove individuals from kingdom positions.
He referenced Article 246 of the Ugandan Constitution and the Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act of 2011 to support his stance.
However, Byakutaga remains firm, stating that his tenure can only be terminated by King Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, who has been battling health complications for the past five years.
Okwiri, on the other hand, alleges that Byakutaga’s term expired on June 30, 2024, citing poor cooperation and the unauthorized sale of kingdom property as reasons for his dismissal.
Byakutaga has denied these allegations and insists that he will not leave office until directed to do so by the King.
