MP Theodore Ssekikubo (R) receives a bouquet of flowers from Mengo minister Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi as her colleague Herbert Ssemakula looks on at the MP’s home in Kawempe, Kampala.
Buganda Kingdom Ministers yesterday called for calm in the middle of the current political storm in Parliament, but also cheered under-fire outspoken MPs, whom they assured of the Kabaka’s backing for speaking the truth.
Three ministers from Kabaka’s government; Mr. Kabuuza Mukasa, the minister in-charge of Kabaka’s travels, Mr. Herbert Ssemakula in- charge of sports and Ms. Florence Nakiwala, the Minister for Tourism were at Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikubo’s home in Kawempe, Kampala where they addressed a group of 10 MPs on the need to “put Uganda first” and “stay firm”.
The ministers had come to commiserate with Mr. Ssekikubo and Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko who were arrested and released over comments they made about the MP’s death.
Mr. Frank Tumwebaze, the minister in-charge of the Presidency, has defended the government’s conduct in the matter and denied reports of a rift between the Executive and Parliament. He accused MPs of politicking and interfering with the work of the Executive.
The ministers came with a bouquet of flowers which they said was to symbolise greetings from the Kabaka of Buganda.
Mr. Ssekikubo said: “I am glad that the king has recognised his loyal subject at a time of tribulations.” Using the story of Jesus as it was told in Mathew 14:22-33, Buganda Caucus chairperson Godfrey Kiwanda addressed President Museveni, whom he accused of harassing party members.
Although the ministers kept talking about the Kabaka’s backing, the kingdom spokesperson, Mr. Charles Peter Mayiga, yesterday said Mengo was aware of the visit, but they were not sent by the Kabaka.
Mr. Nsereko said; “I am one of the founders of NRM and I will not be intimidated. If President Museveni dismisses us, we will also dismiss him from NRM.”
He added that Museveni is using their fellow NRM colleagues to spy on them but they will keep fighting for the public interest,” Mr. Nsereko said.
MPs Barnabas Tinkasiimire Latif Ssebaggala, Patrick Nsanja, and Abdu Katuntu were also present.