The Bataka (clan heads) who travelled to Namibia to visit Kabaka Mutebi have become the latest pawns in President Museveni’s power play with Mengo.
In a letter to the minister of Foreign Affairs last week following the preventive arrest of the Bataka in South Africa, Museveni said: “We are not aware and nor are we involved in the issue of the HH Kabaka’s presence in Namibia.”
The letter came more than a month after the same president had met the Bataka who informed him of their desire to visit the Kabaka in Namibia, where he is recuperating from an undisclosed illness.
After the State House meeting on June 8, Joyce Ssebguwawo, the minister of state for ICT, who brokered the meeting told NTV the president had agreed to fund their visit.
“They will go,” Ssebugwawo assured. “What is wrong with that?”
Yet while agreeing to fund them to visit the Kabaka, Museveni cleverly hedged his bet.
We have been told that the president advised the Bataka to first seek permission from the Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda before they visit Kabaka.
We have been told that when the Bataka met Nagginda, she told them they could only be permitted by Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga and Kabaka’s siblings Prince David Wasajja and Agnes Nabaloga.
They instantly knew that the trio would not permit their visit and decided to go to Namibia without Mengo’s permission.
As people who hold a cherished position in Buganda’s cultural hierarchy, some say the Bataka were justified to try and visit the Kabaka even if it meant rubbing Mengo the wrong way.
“At least they tried to find out the true condition of the Kabaka even if they did not succeed. They also put pressure on Mengo to clarify on the Kabaka’s health condition,” said one social analyst who follows Mengo affairs.
When they reached Namibia, they were told they could not see the Kabaka, giving Mengo the first victory in the battle.
They insisted on waiting to see whether this position would change but it did not.
Wary of the diplomatic embarrassment that could be brought about by this ugly situation, some say Museveni was forced to disown the Bataka.
Vintage Museveni
In blaming the Bataka, some say Museveni has appeased Mengo.
Indeed, Mengo loyalists have been seen jubilating on social media, some thanking the president for his decisive action.
Yet some of those who have observed the president for some time say these celebrations could be premature.
Why?
The say Museveni has over the years perfected the art of extricating himself from complicated situations if it serves his purpose.
In this case, a divided Buganda does not pose any threat to Museveni.
In future if Mengo acts tough and tries to oppose some of the policies of his government, Museveni, they say, will be able to exploit this division to his advantage.
“He leaves you with egg on your face and absolves himself from the blame,” said one political actor who has keenly observed the president.
“He is never wrong.”
