{UAH} STATEMENT MADE TO THE PRESS IN LONDON ON 22nd JANUARY, 1954 BY THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY, LONDON ON THE [1953] BUGANDA CRISIS

STATEMENT MADE TO THE PRESS IN LONDON ON 22nd JANUARY, 1954 BY THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY, LONDON ON THE [1953] BUGANDA CRISIS

1. The Church Missionary Society shares the widespread public concern over recent events in Uganda involving the withdrawal of recognition from Kabaka Muteesa II of Buganda, and his immediate deportation.

2. Since 1877 many missionaries of the Society have worked, and not a few have given their lives, in the interests and for the welfare of the Kingdom and people of Buganda. Against the background of this long and intimate relationship the Society extends to all Baganda its deep sympathy in their present sorrow and perplexity.

3. Officers and missionaries of the Society have themselves been perplexed and surprised by events and, contrary to rumours circulated in some quarters, were in no way consulted or forwarned by any party to the dispute prior to the withdrawal of recognition from the Kabaka. A close study of all the available evidence suggests that in an admittedly transitional period in the political evolution of Buganda, as of the whole Protectorate, there were radical differences of view as to the significance of the 1900 Agreement. There appear to have been points at which less demonstration of intransigence, more of patience and trust among all involved in the crisis, might have had a different result. Nor can it be denied that great distress has been felt at the apparent lack of respect for the Kabakaship shown at the point of the Kabaka's deportation. At the same time it deserves to be noted that probably as a result of the action taken, bloodshed was in fact avoided.

4. At this moment of confusion, the Society welcomes the recent assurances of the Secretary of State that: (a) the inclusion of the Uganda Protectorate in an East African Federation "is outside the realm of practical politics at the present time or while local public opinion remains as it is"; and that (b) the future of Uganda is seen "primarily as an African State with the proper safeguards for the minorities". It is very much to be hoped that the earliest opportunity will be taken to amplify this latter statement. The Society is also glad to record that immediately after the deportation of the Kabaka, Baganda leaders called the people to prayer and urged them to refrain from violence; and that throughout the dispute the attitude of the Baganda has been one of true dignity and restraint.

5. These encouraging facts may help to resolve the grave and complex problems remaining after or arising from the withdrawal of recognition from the Kabaka. The time may be near when in close consultation with the representatives of the Baganda people to the 1900 Agreement should be reconsidered to take account of recent political developments, not least in regard to the increasing importance of the Lukiiko.

6. Meanwhile, in spite of mistakes and misunderstandings, all parties are called to a steady determination to promote mutual confidence and understanding which will in turn demand the exercise of much forbearance and considerable flexibility of mind and outlook. Only so can all go forward to build a better Uganda. To this task the Church Missionary Society has for many years been dedicated, and for this its Members will continue to pray

--

Rehema
Patriot in Kampala,East Africa:UMBS is a registered organization devoted to matters of interest to Muslims in Uganda.Muslims from other countries are welcome to join us too. Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/UMBSFORUM. To donate to UMBS activities, click on: http://um-bs.com/donate/ or just deposit money on UMBS Bank A/C at Bank of Africa:07074320002 .

--
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com