Mixed reactions as Ffumbe clan head dismisses Prof Nsibambi's heiress

 

Mixed reactions have greeted the decision by the head of Ffumbe clan to rule as invalid the decision by the late Prof Apolo Nsibambi to name his daughter as heiress.

On Wednesday evening, the Buganda Culture leaders held an emergency meeting following Nsibambi's decision to name his daughter, Rhoda Kasujja as heiress.

Ffumbe clan head Omutaka Walusimbi ruled that the late Nsibambi's will is invalid.

In his argument, Walusimbi said that the late Nsibambi ignored cultural norms while making his will. He said that the former prime minister only followed the legal perspective and ignored culture and this makes the will invalid.

Namirembe Cathedral Dean. Rev. Benon Kityo, while presenting Rhoda Kasujja to the family as the late Nsibambi's heiress on Tuesday last week told that congregation that the Bible okays daughters to be heirs of their fathers.

He quoted the Bible in the book of Numbers, Chapter 27 which states that, "Say to the Israelites, if a man dies and leaves no son, give his inheritance to his daughter. If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers,"

Walusimbi replied to that in a statement saying since the Church has decided to quote the Bible, they will also use the Bible to block it.

He said that the Bible only allows a daughter to be the father's heir if the family is willing to have the daughter marry their father or uncle's sons and if they can't get to that level if immorality, a girl cannot inherit her father's heritage.

"We as the culture leaders we have answered back that the Bible only accepts it if the daughter will marry their father, uncles and sons to their uncles according to Numbers 36:6-11," Walusimbi asserted.

On social media, there were mixed reactions.

Tom Ddumba, a lawyer, said that this misunderstanding should make people to learn and understand more of what works saying that the late Nsibambi was well read on all Buganda norms and could it could be that he intended to change the narrative.

Bernard Ology, a solutions driven creative business executive, agreed with the decision of the clan head.

"I support the position of the clan head of the Ffumbe, where former PM Nsibambi 'Lugubrious' hailed from. Don't ask me why. I am an Acholi villager."

A one Ambrozia said this is the culture in Buganda and it should be preserved.

"It's the culture in Buganda. Why is anyone surprised? The king of Buganda has a daughter from the official wife who can't be Queen. He sired other sons from other women who are displayed occasionally and no one talked. What were you people expecting?"