There is growing speculation that the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, may have attempted to block President Yoweri Museveni’s recent visit to Mengo, where the President was scheduled to meet Buganda clan leaders (Abataka) and commission a multi-billion-shilling plaza he had pledged to build for them.
According to inside sources, State House officials briefed the President last week that Katikkiro Mayiga had requested a private meeting with him, allegedly to delay or stop the planned engagement with the Bataka. The intention, insiders claim, was to prevent or reschedule the visit, possibly over concerns about its political implications.
However, the President is said to have declined the request, maintaining that he would proceed with his planned itinerary and only meet the Katikkiro at a later time.
Owek. Joyce Nabossa Ssebugwawo is believed to have been instrumental in countering the Katikkiro’s efforts. Sources say she assured the President that the Bataka were eagerly awaiting him and had already made preparations to host him.
Reportedly, President Museveni was left wondering where the Katikkiro derived the authority to restrict the President’s movement, especially as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief. According to sources, Museveni stressed that no leader, traditional or otherwise, has the power to limit his access to any part of the country.
Following the fallout, the President chose to attend a different event in Wakiso instead. Interestingly, senior Buganda leaders such as Jajja Augustine Kizito Mutumba and several clan heads are said to have snubbed the event altogether—possibly signaling deeper divisions or quiet disapproval.
At the Wakiso function, President Museveni handed over Shs200 million to the Buganda clan chiefs to support anti-poverty initiatives within their communities. He also announced plans to take them to Kyankwanzi for patriotism training, emphasizing unity and national development across cultural institutions.
While official statements are yet to be made by either State House or Mengo, the incident has stirred renewed debate over the fragile relationship between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom.
