By Rajab Kaaya Semalulu
I thank the Almighty Allah that this 2026 – 2031 General Election has equally found sound and live. In this Presidential election, there are eight Presidential candidates but six are personally known to me. They can call or remember me by name, some of whom we have a long history together. It’s only Hon. Kyagulanyi that I got to interact with in 2017 because of his late entry into active and elective politics.
Hon. Bulira Frank is my OB and a long time friend from Kyambogo University since 2002. When he stood for Guild President at ITEK in 2003, I stood for the same at UNISE. We welcomed the merger of Kyambogo University together.
Hon. Munyagwa Mubarak is my brother and a long time friend. We share a lot of history together. He actually knows me more than other Presidential candidate. We shared a room and a plate of food together.
Hon. Nandala Mafabi is an elder and a senior brother. Although we had our differences that at one time in 2019 he wanted me to be sacked from Parliamentary Service because of supporting Gen. Muntu but we reconciled. He is a good strategic politician in his own way and style. He strategically pushed his agenda in FDC until he achieved it.
Gen. Mugisha Muntu is my political and social mentor by character and discipline. He is my friend and Party President. One politician I have admired since my childhood.
In 1994 I was in Primary six at Kazo Mixed Primary School formerly called Kazo Buganda Government when the Constituency Assembly delegates were elected. I had attended my
Nursery and Lower Primary at Lake Katwe Quran School and Lake Katwe Primary School, Kasese District.
In Lake Katwe where I was born and partially raised, there was a very strong Baganda Community most of whom were prominent business men and Directors of Buganda Independent Fishing Company/Busongora Independent Fishing Company. These were highly respected Baganda and wielded a lot of influence, financial and political power in Tooro and Buganda Kingdoms which extended to the Eastern DRC specifically, Kisangani.
These Baganda had permanent homes and land in Buganda and Tooro. Notably, Dr Samson Kissekka under Temangalo was one the Directors and my late grandfather Hajji Kaaya Rajab was the Managing Director of the company. The late Ssebowa from Makindye was another director and the first Ugandan to buy a Boat Engine in East Africa from the colonial government.
In 1994, the people of Buganda voted for the finest brains and representatives in the Constituency Assembly – CA Delegates. In the subsequent elections in 1996, 2001, 2011, 2016 they equally voted another set of able representation.
The people of Buganda voted for quality not quantity and they had an opportunity to make the best choices regardless of one’s political beliefs or background. This happened under the Movement System ” Omugendo” and the Multiparty dispensation.
The likes of Hon. Anthony Ssekweyama, Hon. Patrick Musisi , Hon. John Kawanga, Hon. Jaberi Bidandi Ssali, Hon. Betty Namisango Kamya, Dr Kiddu Makubuya, Hon. Damiano Lubega, Rt. Hon. Edward Ssekandi, Dr Kisamba Mugerwa, Dr Israel Kibirige Ssebunya, Hon. John Ken Lukyamuzi, Hon. Nsubuga Nsambu, Hon. Sam Kalega Njuba, Hon. among others. These leaders carried the Buganda flag high, they understood the political ideologies and well properly grounded politically.
Presently, among the finest and fairly able representation in Parliament, Buganda has a few leaders that continue to raise the bended flag of Buganda high. Despite of their longevity in parliament, there is no way we can simply accept to retire them from politics.
Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi represents my home district, Butambala, although I have my personal issues and reservations about his pride and lack of respect for comradeship, he is one of the best and knowledgeable legislators today in Parliament from Buganda. In this same breed of leaders you have Hon. Ssemujju Nganda, Hon. Mpuuga, Hon. Ssegona, Hon. Betty Nambooze among others; these leaders understand the issues and the cause of Buganda.
The centre of indiscipline & Upbringing!
Presently, Buganda is a centre of indiscipline, disrespect for elders and character assassinstion.
In Lake Katwe Kasese, where I was born and partially raised, it was an insult for a fellow child to call or mention your mother’s or father’s name. That would result into a serious fight! from school you would even book each other for a fight after school. There was a place with trees called ” Kati ka Beatrice “.
It’s that upbringing and environment that shaped us to be humble and respectful for other people. I don’t call anyone older than me or higher than me by status or authority by their names. Even at the highest provocation, I restrain myself from attacking, insulting or abusing elders not even on social media.
It’s discipline and good manners not to tell someone on social media what you can’t tell them when you meet them physically. Indiscipline on social media is now fashionable and the order of the day.
It’s in Buganda where the leaders are insulted and abused. This affects their self esteem and contributes to inferiority complex. Most leaders feel unsafe to speak their mind or express their opinions.
Gallant people of Buganda and Uganda, vote quality leaders, leaders who are confident, leaders who are knowledgeable and tested. Leaders who will inspire and move Uganda forward in the right direction.
Kaaya Rajab Sema
Adult Educator – Nansana
