A fresh dispute has erupted between the Buganda Kingdom and the Bunyala Chiefdom following the installation of Banyala local chiefs in Kayunga District.
Over the weekend, Rev Wilson Galimaka, the Bunyala Chiefdom prime minister, presided over the ceremony in Kitimbwa Sub-county, where Ssabanyala Baker Kimeze’s village and parish chiefs were installed. Plans are underway to appoint more chiefs in other sub-counties.
Buganda Kingdom officials have strongly opposed the move, calling it “illegal” and “unpopular.” Mr. Patrick Mugerwa, Kabaka’s deputy chief for Bugerere County, dismissed the installation, claiming the Ssabanyala lacks significant local support.
“The Banyala’s activities are not deep-rooted, and their newly installed chiefs will struggle to gain recognition from the people,” Mugerwa stated.
Ms. Margaret Ssempala, Kabaka’s chief for Kayunga Sub-county, also criticized the initiative, urging the Ssabanyala to acknowledge Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s authority over the region.
However, Bunyala Chiefdom spokesperson Mr. Derrick Kaddu defended the installations, insisting they are legal and meant to enhance mobilization for development.
Kayunga Resident District Commissioner Mariam Seguya assured that security forces would only intervene if unrest arose.
The Buganda-Banyala conflict has persisted for decades, with both sides accusing each other of undermining their cultural institutions. The tensions escalated last year when Banyala leaders occupied a Buganda Kingdom building in Ntejeru, only to be evicted by security forces.
As the dispute continues, cultural autonomy remains a contentious issue, with the Banyala and Baruuli seeking full independence from Buganda, a move the kingdom firmly rejects.
Post a Comment