Clan heads in Bunyoro have given the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa), Mr Andrew Byakutaaga, an ultimatum of one week to abdicate the office on the grounds that he is occupying it unlawful.
During their Sunday, September 1, 2024, meeting presided over by the kingdom Chief Prince (Okwir) Eng Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, the clan heads condemned the Royal Commission headed by Dr Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa, for extending Mr Byakutaaga’s term of office describing it as illegal.
They said that Dr Kaliisa’s commission usurped the Okwir’s legal mandate as accorded to him by the Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, His Highness Dr Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, to always take over kingdom operations in case the Omukama is unable to perform the duties for any reasons.
Sitting at Bunyoro Cultural Lodge in Hoima city, the clan heads unanimously agreed that Mr Byakutaaga relinquishes the office in one week as the Okwir appoints an interim Premier within two weeks.
In his submission that was unanimously seconded by the clan heads who attended the meeting, one of the clan heads and former Uganda’s Minister of State for Lands, Dr Balthazar Kyamanywa Kasirivu Atwooki, tasked Okwir Rucunya to constitute an interim cabinet headed by an interim Prime Minister to drive the kingdom to lawful administration.
This breakthrough is expected to bring stability and progress to the kingdom ending a prolonged period of leadership uncertainty.
Okwir Rucunya said that Omukama Iguru, gave him the authority to run the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom affairs in case he becomes unable to run his royal duties due to sickness as he is currently.
The Okwir castigated the Royal Commission saying although he worked together with them with intent to steer the kingdom forward, he realised that they were merely retrogressing the kingdom and drawing back his objectives of pushing the kingdom forward.
He cited naughtiness, tomfoolery, lack of accountability and the Prime Minister’s refusal to vacate office despite the expiry of his term as characteristics that are featuring in the current kingdom leadership.
During the meeting, Rtd Rev Joash Aseka, was elected as an interim Clerk to the Royal Parliament while Mr Elia Kugonza as the interim Speaker.
Mr Kugonza urged embattled Prime Minister Byakutaaga to respect the resolutions made by the clan leaders aiming to restore the glory of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
However, in his letter, the Bunyoro Kitara Chief Administrative Officer (CAS) cum Ag Head of Communications, Mr Alex Katusabe, rubbishes the resolutions are null and void.
“The resolutions of the meeting are inconsequential and have no bearing whatsoever on any kingdom office or organ. They should be treated with the contempt they deserve. All offices/organs of the kingdom will continue functioning normally,” Mr Katusabe said in his letter dated September 1, 2024.
It is now a year Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom being run without a parliament and cabinet ministers with the Royal Commission having the prerogative of either extending or not extending appointments since the Omukama is reportedly frail.
It remains unclear why the controversial leaders in the kingdom administration fail to resign from their offices to create room for peace, tranquility, stability, development and smooth process of the once mighty kingdom.
Continuous criticism spoils one’s name, respect and integrity and often times has a negative bearing for their posterity. In this case, resignation is the best answer.
