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By
J. Ssemakula The
Buganda is a Kingdom, a constitutional monarchy. So the idea of a "Buganda
Republic" is an oxymoron, so to speak. Contrary
to popular perception, Buganda does not discriminate against non-Baganda. Anyone
who cares to read history and/or acquaint him/herself with Kiganda traditions
can easily verify this. E.g. at the present time, Buganda is perhaps the only
region in Uganda that has elected non-Baganda to the National Assembly. Buganda
also boasts of the largest number of non-Baganda, both in absolute numbers and
in kind (tribe). Buganda
may also be unique in Uganda in that, following a ceremony, a non-Muganda by
birth can formally become a Muganda, if they so desire and are willing to serve Ssabasajja, adopt Kiganda culture and way of life. Interestingly, in this
aspect, the Baganda are at par with nations like USA where aliens can become
citizens. A minor difference is that, in Buganda a non-Muganda needs a sponsor
who adopts them. Through that sponsor a non-Muganda is admitted into one of the
50 clans of Buganda, and is thereafter regarded like any other member of that
clan. Non-Baganda
who live in Buganda, and are genuine stakeholders therein, know that,
traditionally, in Buganda there is no limit to social mobility. Buganda is a
meritocracy. Empirical evidence of this is everywhere, documented in books like
Robertson's "Community of Strangers: A Journal of Discovery in
Uganda". The book is a readable report of the author's study of some
villages in the Ssaza of Kyaggwe, Buganda. And, it was written by a non-Muganda. Assuming
that we are interested in facts, what other people in Uganda are as hospitable,
accommodating and welcoming as the Baganda? |
| © 2002 Federo for all Uganda, All Rights Reserved | |
