Bunyoro Kitara: Court-Recognized Prime Minister Still Facing Leadership Standoff

Summary:

• Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom’s Prime Minister reaffirmed his court-backed legitimacy amid claims of impersonation by the former officeholder, who refuses to vacate the office. He criticized delays by the police in enforcing the court order and highlighted challenges in operating outside the official office, including unpaid staff and financial mismanagement.

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In an exclusive interview with this publication, the embattled Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom addressed pressing questions about his legitimacy and the ongoing leadership crisis. Despite a court ruling affirming his authority, the Prime Minister faces resistance from the former officeholder, prolonging tensions in the kingdom’s administration.

The Prime Minister, in a candid response, clarified that his position is legally supported. “On December 16, 2024, the court declared that what the Hon Okwir did to appoint a new kingdom cabinet was correct,” he stated. He emphasized that his role is not confined to occupying an office building but extends to lawful execution of duties.

Challenging claims that he is a “phony,” he remarked, “What I am doing is lawful. I am not pretentious but rather legally recognized with court affirmation.”

The refusal of the former Prime Minister to vacate office has drawn sharp criticism. “Refusing to relinquish the office and continuing impersonating against the court ruling becomes contempt of court,” he noted. He warned that such defiance could lead to legal consequences, underscoring the importance of abiding by judicial decisions in a civilized society.

Despite the court order, the Prime Minister has been unable to access the official office building, attributing the delay to police inaction. “In Uganda, when the court passes a verdict…it is the police to effect that order. As of now, we are waiting for the police,” he explained.

This impasse has created operational challenges, particularly in addressing financial concerns within the kingdom. “The kingdom workers have been telling us that they have spent five months without any pay. That scenario hurts me,” he lamented, criticizing the prioritization of events like football tournaments over staff salaries.

The Prime Minister outlined his vision for restoring trust and financial stability. “Every institution depends on who is leading it. Do people trust that person? I want to tell you that if you trace my record, I have a good one,” he affirmed. He called for transparent management of kingdom finances and pledged to secure support from allies to uplift the kingdom’s workers.

The Prime Minister expressed concern over the health of the kingdom’s monarch, Rukirabasaija. “You cannot keep saying that the king is well yet his subjects witnessed him being carried on a stretcher and airlifted to Kampala,” he stated. He urged for transparency about the king’s condition, emphasizing the need for his recovery.

When asked if he would step down in the face of a new court ruling against him, the Prime Minister demonstrated a commitment to legal processes. “I can’t refuse. I can’t disobey the court order,” he assured, reinforcing his respect for the rule of law.

Addressing questions about his VIP status and enhanced security, he explained that his position naturally warrants protection. “I have been a government minister, I have been a presidential advisor…security guards are not new to me,” he said.

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