Buganda Conundrum: Ssabalangira Kikulwe Gives a Four-Day Ultimatum on Information about Kabaka’s Health and Whereabouts, Copies Museveni and ISO

MENGO, KAMPALA – Uganda: The Royal Family of Buganda has finally broken their silence regarding the well-being and whereabouts of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the Kabaka of Buganda. The Ssabalangira Musanja Kikulwe Godfrey, head of the Royal family, has issued a bold ultimatum demanding clarity on the Kabaka’s condition.

Through a meticulously penned two-page letter dated June 5^th 2024, the Ssabalangira has tasked Omutaka Salongo Namwama Augustine Mutumba Kizito, the speaker of the clan council (Bataka), to provide a comprehensive update on the Kabaka’s health and location within four working days. This unprecedented move comes amidst swirling rumors and unofficial statements suggesting that the Kabaka is critically ill and receiving treatment in Namibia.

This development comes at the back of the relentlessness of unofficial statements that have always been treated as rumor, from a section of concerned Baganda that the Kabaka is critically ill, with others confirming the same rumor as true and that actually the Kabaka is in Namibia in a mentally disturbed people`s health facility.

Indeed, last month, the Namibian Ambassador in Germany confirmed that the Kabaka is indeed in Namibia, receiving care and treatment at the Okonguarri Psychotherapeutic Centre, a leading facility for mental health treatment. This revelation has intensified concerns among the Baganda, with many demanding transparency regarding their monarch’s state.

The letter, which, strangely, was also copied to central government high-ranking officials including the PPS to the President of Uganda and the Director General of the Internal Security Organization (ISO), was formally received by the clan council speaker on Monday, June 10^th 2024. The Ssabalangira’s demand is clear – a detailed report on the Kabaka’s health and whereabouts must be submitted by Friday, June 14^th or the speaker risks impeachment.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the letter underscores the cultural and familial duty of the Ssabalangira and the royal family to make decisions regarding the Kabaka, especially in light of his deteriorating health. Since 2019, Kabaka Mutebi’s health has reportedly declined, a fact shrouded in secrecy by Buganda’s Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga and other officials.

The Kabaka’s rare public appearances have often shown him in a visibly weakened state, raising further alarm. The Ssabalangira’s letter emphasizes the need for transparency, not only for the sake of the royal family but also for the 52 clan heads who are deeply concerned about the Kabaka’s condition.

“Therefore, the purpose of this letter is to task you to within four (4) working days from receipt to give me a detailed report on the health condition and whereabouts of my son, Omulangira Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, given the fact that the Bataka are the custodians of the throne of Buganda kingdom,” the letter states, adding; “This will enable me to have a clear explanation to the royal family, which has a blood relation to the prince.”

The Bataka, or clan council members, have accused their speaker of allegedly colluding with Premier Mayiga and undermining their authority. Clan heads have voiced frustrations over being denied access to the Kabaka, a situation that has only fueled their anxiety and suspicions.

“The royal family was particularly distressed to learn in 2019 about the Kabaka’s significant health decline, information that was kept from us and the public. As custodians of the Kabaka’s throne, the clan heads see it as their duty to be fully informed about his condition,” stressed the Ssabalangira.

The Ssabalangira’s letter represents a critical juncture for the Buganda kingdom, reflecting both the deep concern for their monarch and the urgency for transparency. As the four-day deadline approaches, all eyes are on the clan council speaker to see how he will respond to this high-stakes demand.

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Daniels N Tatya: Mr. Daniels N. Tatya is an affluent Sports Writer, Commentator and Editor. His over 15 years of covering almost major sporting events makes him a revered and an authority on investigative Sports journalism in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected] +256(0)758268315