By Jamila Mulindwa
Political analysts have characterised the President Yoweri Museveni and Kabaka Ronald Mutebi Tuesday meeting as a social and political meeting of interests. Researcher and political analyst Patrick Wakida said its important for the two to meet.
Former Buganda Kingdom official and now political analyst Owek. Isreal Mayengo echoed Wakida’s statement, “As far as the political leaders are concerned there are two main leaders, the Kabaka and President. There is nothing better for this country than those two getting together every now and then.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF0zeL3nVdU
Wakida said it was important for the president to meet with the Kabaka because Buganda plays a big role in the politics of the country. “Buganda is the business hub of the country and the biggest number of people in the country employed are in this region, therefore it is the centre of politics.”
The political analyst said the meeting was not the first between the two principals at which President Museveni promised to compensate the kingdom for its lost property and revenue. Wakida said, “ The last time he had a meeting with Kabaka, it was close to election and he came with a few titles. So it's not just a social visit but it has political implications too”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL6AwNav6Eo
But Dr. Wakida warned that return of Buganda properties should not be personalized, “I think there should be an institution as it was with the Asian properties that where returned through the custodian board. The Buganda properties are on the other hand being given back by the president himself.”
Owek. Mayengo said that though Kabaka Mutebi is involved in active politics, he cannot be ignored because he symbolically leads a significant voting block. Mayengo noted, "He (the Kabaka) can’t come out and say I support this individual or this party but he can support government programs that directly benefits the population”.
This is the second time President Museveni has paid a visit to Kabaka Mutebi at the Banda palace. The last visit was in 1993 on the eve of Kabaka Mutebi's coronation after the restoration of kingdoms in Uganda.