The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga was today stopped from travelling to Kooki by police out of fear that his visit could exacerbate the tensions between Buganda and the chiefdom.
Mayiga had been scheduled to visit St Bernard's SS Mannya and later tour coffee gardens in Rakai but before he could leave Brovad hotel in Masaka, the place was cordoned off.
We have been told that negotiations to allow Mayiga visit Kooki were unsuccessful after five hours of closed door meetings.
Kooki officials said Mayiga had not sought permission from Kamuswaga and therefore could not visit.
In the end, it was decided that Mayiga cancels the visit for the sake of harmony.
Over the years, the relationship between Kooki and Buganda has been strained over several factors.
In July 2015, Kooki officials declared their chiefdom an independent entity and for any Mengo official to visit the area, he or she has to seek permission from the Kamuswaga.
In 2016, the Kooki Council, banned the singing of Buganda’s anthem in all schools and at official functions under its jurisdiction.
In May this year Buganda shunned the 14th coronation anniversary of Kamuswaga Apollo Ssansa Kabumbuli II, at Bakijulula, Byakabanda Sub- county in Kooki.
Buganda had been sending representatives to attend previous coronation anniversaries and in 2016, Kabaka’s chief in Buddu County, Vincent Mayega, represented the kingdom.
Last year, Kooki chiefdom petitioned the Central government asking it to intervene in its strained relationship with Buganda Kingdom.
In a June 2, 2017 letter the chiefdom said that the attitude of some Buganda officials was in total contravention of an agreement the leaders of the two institutions signed 121 years ago.
