KAMPALA – Buganda Premier Charles Peter Mayiga has responded to allegations of favoritism in the dispute between NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, and his deputy president, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga.
The Katikkiro clarified that he does not support either side, emphasizing that both individuals are his people. “Perhaps they think that because I was the one who brought Mpuuga to Mengo. Mpuuga and I are long-time friends; I even buried his father. Our relationship has endured for many years. When he entered elective politics in 2011, I advised him not to run against John Kawanga, but he chose to do so anyway. We’ve come a long way together.”
He also revealed that Bobi Wine is a long-time friend, having known him even before he entered politics. “I know everyone is eager to know where I belong, because truth be told, the Katikkiro is a big person, but I don’t side with anyone.” He said. “I’ve known Bobi Wine since before he entered politics. At that time, I was a youth minister, and he resonated with the youth. We even had each other’s phone numbers. When he forgot to invite me to his wedding, I jokingly blamed him, and he apologized as a friend. They are both my people.”
While discussing the service award received by the four parliamentary commissioners, including Hon. Mpuuga, the Katikkiro stated that the award was approved by Parliament and should not be a contentious issue. “People expected me to comment on the service award,” he said with a laugh. “The award given to the commissioners was approved by the same Parliament. I don’t know if they missed reading that bill. Any patriotic Ugandan should be concerned about the large number of MPs – 529 members of Parliament. That’s where the money really goes.”
The Katikkiro added that service awards are given worldwide, citing the example of the former Prime Minister of England. “I was reading about the Prime Ministers of England, and since Tony Blair stepped down, he has been receiving £115,000 every year. Therefore, I don’t see anything wrong with the service award.”
He said, “People on social media were fueling this conflict due to their own agendas, but I have been in touch with both Bobi Wine and Mpuuga in my own way.”
Regarding allegations of a ban on NUP leaders from the Kingdom’s media platforms, the Katikkiro clarified that he is not responsible for determining who appears on air. “I’m not the one who determines who appears on TV; it’s the management of these media houses. In Buganda, all agencies operate independently, and we do not dictate who appears on television or radio. I only advise them to prioritize issues concerning the Kabaka and the Kingdom. Additionally, NUP is not the first political party to raise these claims; in the past, the DP and even NRM have made similar accusations against us.”
