Ugandans-At-Heart

The recent introduction of the young son of the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II; the press hype, jubilations from kingdom loyalists and congratulatory messages from all and sundry leaves a lot to be desired about the moral standings of Uganda’s Political and cultural leaders.

A son for the Kabaka means a steady lineage for the kingdom is maintained, it also means confidence in the cultural leadership by the loyalists and more so; what the Buganda kingdom desires most: a well-structured, strongly founded and formidable force in the quest for the independence of Buganda through the cultural leadership. This indeed should keep The Kingdom’s well-wishers jubilating for some time.

However, the coming on of this desired “gift” in Buganda and the act prior to it, albeit the good reasons, is more of a reflection of the moral decadence that our leaders; instead of fighting, are simply fostering and nurturing strongly. President Museveni has always been in the bad books of the opposition for the alleged “rigging of elections” and “habouring” of corrupt officials in his regime, a gospel the opposition has always preached with zeal and enthusiasm to the extent that even my grandmother; though not blessed with the advantage that technology has brought into the media house, believes that president Museveni’s government is a den of corrupt leaders through here say. Religious leaders too have been in the condemnation of the present regime.

We are now prompted to ask ourselves what the difference is between a “vote rigger”, a “corrupt leader” a “dictator” (the list of names is long) and a cultural leader who once vowed before the congregation of God to remain committed to his queen during the “times of troubles, tribulations, famine, scarcity, poverty, wealth and tests” and to be with her “till death!!!” Is this the biblical story of the adulterous woman and the hypocrites who could not cast a stone upon her since none was clean enough at replay? Some may argue so!

As a young generation, however, and a Christian community; we need to reflect upon the following in light of the above:
• Leaders should practice what they preach! If the opposition (including the Kabaka, his loyalists and the clergy) have been in the forefront castigating Museveni’s regime ; urging that he should resign, I think this the time they began pushing for the Kabaka’s relegation to the bible class in the Anglican Church. This would lead to his re-baptism! It would also be necessary if the queen is given the freedom to speak out her view about this infidelity because she is in a holy union with the Kabaka and therefore free to seek divorce. She is still fertile as well, and if given a chance, would do what has been done.

• Religious leaders should also remember that all sins, as noted in the “Holy Book” carry the same weight and attract equal punishment!! Applauding and congratulating the Kabaka upon this mischievous deed tantamount to condoning sin and irreverence in the church. In this case, they are hypocrites upon whose necks the millstone should be tied and cast in the deepest waters!

• The morality of the future generation depends on the actions of the present. How would the Kabaka defend a man whose wife seeks divorce when her husband errs out of the wedlock and fathers a son in secrecy? Would we blame her if she did so even though she has four children at home already? He should realize that actions by leaders are contagious!!

Till then, we remain waiting to hear from moralists!!!

L’Oluma Loican-Mam-Epasi
UAH forumist
katakwiconnection@gmail.com