After two weeks of constant criticism, President Museveni has finally come out to defend his appointment of the Kyabazinga of Busoga William Nadiope Gabule IV as ambassador.
According to the Constitution, the Kyabazinga (or any other Cultural Leader in Uganda) is barred from participating in partisan politics.
During his speech at the 78th Kyabazinga Day in Namutumba District on Saturday, Mr Museveni said that cultural leaders should get employment and work for development.
He said, “I have seen some people criticise my recent decision to name Kyabazinga William Gabula a Special Ambassador in the Office of the President. I invested in the education of the Kyabazinga. He now has a Masters degree.”
Kyabazinga graduated from Coventry University in United Kingdom with a Masters in Business Administration, on 20th November 2015.
Gabula undertook his internship in Brussels at the European Commission in Belgium, at the International Criminal Court at The Hague in Netherlands and at the Parliament of Germany in Berlin where he gained managerial skills, cultural awareness among others.
“As someone who was involved in restoration of kingdoms, I know the laws governing them. I know where a cultural leader can contribute to Uganda without interfering with the law,” President Museveni commented.
President Museveni hit back at the critics saying that he appointed the Kyabazinga on grounds that he has the skills and therefore needs to put it to use by serving his country. Photo/PPU
Gabula’s appointment has sparked criticism among the Basoga with some taking it as ridicule to the Kyabazingaship.
“I heard the critics say royals don’t work. That is not the case. The Kyabazinga is youthful, he recently acquired useful education from abroad. He can contribute to national development and I see no merit in denying him that opportunity,” Museveni replied to the criticism.
“There’s a great history of royals and monarchs contributing and leading the transformation of nations. One example is King Peter the Great who is considered the father of Russia’s transformation,” he gave an example.
“At a time when Eastern Europe was lagging behind in development as opposed to Western Europe, King Peter the Great led a team of 250 royals to go work in Holland and to learn skills especially in ship-making.
“These skills became the backbone of Russian development and defence, helping them fight off Swedish and Turkish aggression.