Makindye East Member of Parliament Ali Kasirye Nganda Mulyanyama has sparked fresh debate after arguing that the Buganda Kingdom should have declined a recent visit by Vice President Jessica Alupo and other senior government officials as a symbolic protest against the continued arrests of opposition figures.
Speaking during an appearance on Baba TV’s Guga Muka talk show, Mulyanyama said refusing to host the delegation would have sent a strong message to President Yoweri Museveni that Buganda was dissatisfied with what he described as ongoing arrests and alleged human rights violations.
“Mengo should have declined the visit by the Vice President and officials from the Central Government to send a clear message to the President that Buganda is unhappy with the arrests,” Mulyanyama said.
The remarks came shortly after Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga hosted a high-level government delegation at Bulange, Mengo.
The delegation, sent by President Museveni, was led by Vice President Jessica Alupo and included several Cabinet ministers. During the meeting, Mayiga reaffirmed Buganda Kingdom’s commitment to working with the Central Government to promote development in areas such as health, education, agriculture, financial literacy, and environmental conservation.
However, Mulyanyama argued that the Kingdom missed an opportunity to make a strong statement at a time when concerns remain over the arrest and detention of opposition leaders and supporters.
His comments come amid continued debate surrounding the detention of opposition figures, including Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, as well as reports of alleged abductions and concerns over political space ahead of the upcoming elections.
The MP’s position has reignited discussions about the role of traditional institutions in political affairs and whether symbolic actions by cultural leaders can influence government decisions on issues of human rights and governance.
