{UAH} Secession could do more harm than good to Ugandans

Those Baganda demanding secession or even federalism to return to the days when the Kabaka reigned because the central government has concentrated too much power into its hands and frustrated enjoyment of full human rights and fundamental freedoms.

A quick look at how the Kabaka reigned before colonial rule and could be restored when Buganda secedes may help Baganda change their mind. A federal arrangements if not properly regulated could also result in making matters worse than they are today. Take a look.

"By the end of the nineteenth century, the Kabaka had acquired complete administrative control over Buganda. He was the source of all legitimate authority; he was the head of a standing army and a regular 'navy'; he was the supreme judge in court cases, the head of all clan authorities, and the recipient of taxes from the whole country, as well as of the largest single share of the spoils of war. The Kabaka was unapproachable; it was impossible, even for a noble, to come into his presence unannounced. Labor was exacted as a demonstration of the king's power over his subjects, and there were ceremonial killings in order to make the king strong. The prosperity and general well-being of the country were thought to depend upon him…

"He [Kabaka Mutesa] had power of life and death over his people and maintained his authority by severe and brutal punishments, such as the destruction of houses and property, the selling of his subjects into slavery, mutilation, burning offenders alive or hacking them to pieces… Sometimes innocent people were caught and used as sacrifices"(Arthur Tuden and Leonard Plotnicov 1970).

I quoted this message to help Ugandans and Baganda in particular reflect better on how they would like to be governed. A referendum in Uganda's current conditions is not the tool to use in resolving complex matters as secession or federalism.

Eric        

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