{UAH} Buganda and Jews; a lesson on unity

Normally, I don't express my opinion on politics beyond my close friends but recent reports in Kampala newspapers as well as discussions on the internet have compelled me get out of self imposed cocoon.  When I told my friends that I'd write this article, most of them warned me to stay away from this topic because I'd be attacked by all sides. 

In my very humble view, Baganda in the diaspora should not attack each other just because one group does not agree with the approach that the other group is taking. Baganda in the diaspora should have various groups/conventions to suit their approach to Buganda issues. There are enough Baganda to go to several conventions. Some of those conventions will have an approach similar to the prevailing approach of the administration in Mengo.  Some of the groups may not agree with Mengo's approach. But Buganda needs all groups.

It was sad to see reports about Mengo and Ggwanga Mujje regarding Ttabamiruka and other activities. In my humble view, there is no need to fight each other over Ttabamiruka or any other activities that were created out of a sincere love for Buganda.

Buganda can learn from the Jews in America. The Jews in America tried supporting Israel under one organization but they failed to agree on the main approaches to burning issues like Palestinian rights and the return of occupied territories. Most Liberal Jews formed "jstreet" (www.jstreet.org) and most conservative Jews remained in groups like The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAAC). Likewise, Baganda in the diaspora are not homogenous. They are liberal, conservative, DP, NRM, Jeema, UPC, FDC, CP, Bakata Bbu, selfish, selfless, self-centered, etc.

In addition, one has to accept that the administration at Mengo has its own interests and Buganda has its own interests.  In most cases, these interests are similar. But they are not always similar.  For this reason, we do not have the Katikkiro and his cabinet having lifetime tenure.  As we say "ak'Omuntu, ssi kante...nti weyakaabira jjo, ne leero...".  Each cabinet comes with its priorities and approach to existing problems. For example, when I was still in school,  speeches by Mengo officials used to start and end with thanking the NRM for restoring kingdoms. During Dan Muliika's regime, you wouldn't hear that line. That is why we need to promote groups of Baganda with varying interests. A conservative Kattikiro might work closely with a conservative group. But when a liberal Katikkiro comes in, he can do the same with the liberal groups. That eliminates the need to attack each other. Buganda needs all groups.  As Jesus said, "whoever is not against us, is for us". 

As for invitations to conventions, I think that Baganda groups whose views may not be similar with the incumbent administration in Mengo should not invite Mengo officials in their official capacity.  They should be invited like any  ordinary delegate that cares about Buganda issues. It is like when those officials go to weddings or music shows as any ordinary guest. They will not try to influence the program and therefore, no sane person will blame them for the contents of the program or speeches made because they are there in their private capacities and had no input on the program.  

At the same time, we have to accept that Buganda issues attract all sorts of people. That includes enemies of Buganda who will aim to destroy it from within. Anyone that has had a group fight knows that you'll have someone on your side that you wish was on the other side.  Buganda issues are not immune from that reality.  We have seen several Baganda politicians seeking office by pretending to support Buganda's interests only to show their true colors after winning elections. We have seen several people leading Buganda delegations in talks only to turn around and oppose the very positions they had championed. That is largely because there are no serious consequences for turning against Buganda, yet there is obvious instant rewards for turning against Buganda.
Therefore, Baganda in the diaspora should avoid attacking each other just because they don't agree on the approach to solving Buganda's issues. They should keep their eyes on the bigger picture...
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