By Aggrey Baba
Former Kamuli District Chairperson, Proscovia Salam Musumba, has criticised the Busoga Kingdom for keeping silent as political divisions deepen in the region.
Speaking during a live interview on one of the region’s top radio stations, Musumba expressed disappointment over what she called the kingdom’s “unhelpful silence” during a time when the region is becoming a battleground in the ruling NRM party’s internal elections.
The fight is between First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli Woman MP, Rebecca Kadaga, and Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, both contesting for the position of NRM Vice Chairperson (Female) on the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Musumba said it is painful to see leaders like Kadaga, who played a major role in reviving the Busoga Kingdom and crowning the current Kyabazinga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, being attacked while the kingdom leadership remains quiet.
“These very politicians, are the ones who fought for the restoration and stability of the Kyabazinga institution,” Musumba said, asking that now when they’re under political attack, the kingdom has nothing to say.
She dismissed claims that the kingdom should stay out of politics, saying politics and the kingdom are already intertwined. Musumba explained that the political leader(s) currently being targeted are the same people who defended and promoted the institution in the past.
“You cannot separate the kingdom from politics,” she said, adding that the kingdom must speak up when its own are being divided or humiliated.
The ongoing political battle has sharply divided supporters in Busoga. While Kadaga remains a respected figure across the region, Speaker Anita Among has ties to Busoga through her marriage to Moses Magogo, a native of the area and FUFA president.
Last week, Kadaga launched her reelection campaign in Iganga District, where she received massive support from regional leaders and residents. In her speech, she strongly criticized her rival, saying Among lacks the moral standing to lead in the party because of integrity concerns.
Kadaga also referred to sanctions placed on Among by foreign governments and reminded NRM members that their party’s constitution demands high standards of integrity from its leaders.
The division has caused visible tension among local leaders, elders, and youth groups in Busoga. But Musumba believes the silence from the kingdom is only making matters worse.
She warned that if the kingdom continues to keep quiet in such critical moments, people may begin to question its relevance and leadership.
The heat in Busoga is rising every day and wall eyes are now on whether the Kyabazinga and his kingdom will break their silence or continue watching from the sidelines. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
