Did Buganda Reject the Cars or Was There a Communication Breakdown?

A government initiative to provide 30 brand-new vehicles to Uganda’s officially recognised cultural institutions has stirred public debate—especially following the conspicuous absence of Buganda Kingdom from the list of recipients.

During the launch of the Traditional Leaders Enhancement Programme at Kololo Independence Grounds, Vice President Jessica Alupo, speaking on behalf of President Museveni, said the vehicles were a token of appreciation for the role cultural leaders play in shaping national values and identity.

But Buganda Kingdom’s absence was striking. The Kingdom’s spokesperson and Minister of Information, Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, told the Daily Monitor that Buganda neither received formal communication nor the vehicles. “We didn’t receive any communication about the giving out of those cars. We are also surprised seeing it in the news. It’s all hearsay,” he said.

This public denial was quickly followed by a counter-narrative from Gender Minister Betty Amongi, who said Buganda declined the vehicles on cultural grounds and instead preferred a lump sum cheque. “I visited the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, and he stated that their culture requires certain provisions to be made by the subjects,” Amongi claimed. “We agreed the money meant for them would be given as a lump sum.”

However, Kazibwe’s statement sharply contradicts Amongi’s version—raising concerns over transparency, communication, and respect in state-kingdom relations.

To add to the intrigue, the Kabaka recently received a brand-new 2024 Lexus LX J30L for his 70th birthday, reportedly bought by the kingdom using internal resources. While the luxury SUV has wowed the public, it has also intensified speculation about the government’s gesture and whether Buganda deliberately distanced itself from it.

What’s at stake?

At face value, the government’s gesture appears generous and inclusive. But the differing narratives suggest either:

• A breakdown in communication between the central government and Buganda Kingdom.

• Or a deliberate distancing by the kingdom, possibly as a form of silent protest or assertion of autonomy.

Ugandans now find themselves asking:
🔹 Who is telling the truth—Government or Buganda Kingdom?
🔹 Did Buganda prefer a cheque, or is the cheque story a convenient cover-up?
🔹 Should cultural institutions accept gifts from the state, and under what terms?

We want to hear from you:

🗳️ Do you believe the government was transparent in its dealings with Buganda?
🗣️ Should Buganda have accepted the vehicles or stood its ground?

Comment, vote, and share your opinion using the hashtag #BugandaCarsDebate
Let the national conversation begin.