With Some Tinge of Satire
Today we examine the factors that push the “Baganda” to hate Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga (Kingdom premier). You will hear all the outburst especially on media platforms but you may fail to really understand the cause of the alarm. (To be honest, I don’t like him either). Here are 13 reasons why Baganda love to hate Katikkiro Mayiga:
- TRANSPARENCY
If you have been here longer, you will remember that Mengo was a hub for deal strikers – deal making and deal closing. The king was so tied on the people he trusted but reports of thievery would not stop reaching him.
When the former Premiere Dan Muliika attempted to address this corruption, he was fought out of the Kingdom’s highest office (with help of central government?). Mayiga has scored 80% on the anti-graft fight front. No one claps for a person who ends one’s food terminal.
- CAPACITY BUILDING
After he rose to this office, he openly accused the central government of deliberately refusing to build the capacity of the Kingdom officials and workers. He, however, found the way out.
It’s during his time that we witnessed Kingdom retreats and unending trainings for federal officials from cabinet to the sub county level. We hate him for that. How could he?
- CONSOLIDATED FUND
Mayiga created the federal main bank account on which all the Kingdom money must be deposited. Cash outs and physical spending was banned. Every money given to the King must be deposited on this account.
By so doing, losing federal funds to individual pockets reduced by 90%. All expenses are now done through this centralized account. This how we saw federal officials getting paid for services, cars, bikes etc.
- OPEN FOR BUSINESS
For the first time in modern history, Mayiga opened Mengo up for business. He declared that whoever wanted to do business with Mengo was very welcome. This is when we saw Airtel, Uganda Breweries, private and government agencies, non-government organisations flock Mengo for business. The difference is evident. How can you love such a man?
- FEDERAL BUDGET
Before his appointment, Mengo read a Shs5 Billion budget and could collect 60-70% of the planned funds. “How can be the Katikkiro and preside over a Kingdom that operates on 5 billions?” I remember him wondering.
But I was like “Okay, show me you can do better!” In September last year, they passed a whole Shs209 Billion budget for the 2023-24 financial year. Could you love such a guy?
- FEDERO OF ACTIONS
We were acclimated to begging Museveni for a federal system of government that would give mandate to regional governments to work for their people respectively. We kept singing this song to a man whose undercover work, as some have claimed, is to weaken us more.
How then could he grant for his own sword? Mayiga changed the narrative: as we keep pressing for federal in the law, let’s go to actions. Let’s do our own things. If by God’s grace it’s granted, it will find us readier for it. Kiki ky’otalaba?
- SERVICE WITH ACCOUNTABILITY (ENTEBYA)
We have witnessed the presentation of a surplus budget in four years in a row. This has only happened these days in the whole of our region since independence. It’s this reason that the King himself supports Mayiga with relieving some of the officials of their work. Those officials who cannot do the accountability as required. That’s a bad guy, isn’t he?
- DEPOLITICISING MENGO
As I said earlier, Mengo had been conquered by the opposition as their main seat and consequently became the target for the sitting government. This was a threat to its existence believe me you. Mayiga neutralized this and made Mengo home for everyone.
So do not be very surprised with the reckless attacks from cyber warriors who are well paid by opposition bosses, according to some claims. We know the payers, yes we do. But for the Kingdom, this was the best thing to do. Now the King is for us all.
- CHANGING PEOPLE’S MINDSET
The hardest job in the world to a leader is to change the people’s mindset. From old age to the new age, we are trying but people will always charge with emotional outburst. The fear of change is natural. Many are beginning to change but through this great war, Mayiga’s name is on the edge.
- LAND PROTECTION
He has not gotten as much resistance in any other sector as he’s gotten in this one. Do you remember when he tried to streamline the funds for whoever is using Kabaka’s land… ekyapa mu ngalo drive was a disaster!
Nobles and officials were the main Kingdom’s land grabbers and clans, many of them, were homeless. Mayiga introduced clan land trustees of every clan and centralised every land management to the Buganda Land Board (BLB).
- RAISING THE BAR AT MENGO
The positive orporate image of Buganda has risen to heights. It’s not easy today to bad mouth the kabaka or Buganda and just walk away. We have seen the politicians come home to cleanse their images.
The Chief Justice, too, came home. The premiere was hosted at the parliament in a milestone visit and the Kingdom hosted parliament. This man is really bad!
- STREAMLINING LEADERSHIP ABROAD
Officially, the Kingdom has ambassadors abroad who work hand in hand with the national ambassadors. Give them a name you want but that’s what they are.
- STRONGER SOFT POWER.
Soft power is the persuasive approach to local and international relations, typically involving the use of economic or cultural influence. Through this, a lot of programs have been given a green light by government and the international bodies. The king was tapped by the UNAIDS as the African goodwill to fight AIDS in Africa. Buganda has been invited to many international summits to represent or present. Just to say the least.
So by all odds, can any understanding Muganda love that man Mayiga? Maybe you can be the judge.
Fred Kibuuka is a journalist
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