By Mary Kisakye
KAMPALA–Buganda Kingdom prime minister Charles Peter Mayiga Wednesday morning embarked on a trip to Bugerere amid protest from the Banyala ‘king’ Rtd. Maj. Baker Kimeze Mpagi who did not want him to visit the area.
Prime minister Mayiga left the Kingdom offices at Bulange amid heavy security enroute to Kayunga to preside over a coffee planting campaign launch code-named Emmwanyi Terimba at the Saza Grounds in Kayunga district.
Media reports had earlier indicated that people in Bugerere were eagerly waiting for the Katikkiro. However, Banyala King Kimeze said the Premier is not welcome in the area. The Banyala ethnic group in Kayunga rejects the Buganda King’s authority.
Earlier, Kimeze he held what he called a “crucial meeting” of Banyala elders at his palace on Bbaale Hill, in Kayunga town.
He said the meeting was intended to “block” Peter Mayiga’s visit in the area. It should be remembered that in September 2009, a similar situation unfolded culminating into the infamous Kabaka Riots which claimed more than 40 people and left several injured.
The riots in Kampala were sparked by police’s decision to block a delegation of Buganda kingdom officials led by former Kingdom prime minister Eng Godfrey Walusimbi from visiting Kayunga district.
