First Election on a Party Basis

In the Parliament of Uganda, formerly called Legislative Council (Legco), however, it was accepted that the members would be elected by those who agreed to register and to vote and this was on a political party basis. On that occasion, all those who wanted to use their right registered and they voted for the party they supported. Even in Buganda, there were some who used that right.

Difficulties begin in Buganda

Kabaka Mutesa

A number of Baganda disagreed with this registering and voting; many who wished to register and vote were threatened and fear prevented them from exercising their right, but there were also many courageous people who did exercise their right. Although among the many who registered and voted were people from many parties, the only ones I have heard blamed in the press and elsewhere were the members of the Democratic Party. And although there were people of all religions who registered, the only ones to be hunted for it were’ the Catholics: Nobody can deny this. I have already given the reason why only Catholics and only D.P members are blamed. It is the fear that some Catholics might emerge and become candidates for government posts, those who had ‘up to now controlled the government, fear that their’ monopoly might soon decline and they might even be withdrawn altogether.

London Conference Increased the Changes

The London Conference brought further changes in government, and the Buganda Parliament now embraces the three forms of Government I enumerated above. (1) First the Monarchy which is strengthened in the new agreement, but with the Kabaka still remaining outside politics as a Constitutional Monarch. 2) Secondly the part played by the Aristocracy (Bakungu) remains unchanged.

The Ssaza chiefs and the six Bakungu (nominees) appointed by the Kabaka still remain members of the Buganda Parliament. 3) Thirdly, the people themselves having a voice in government by electing their representatives. This is also accepted by Buganda; that is 68 representatives, and six Ministers to be chosen by whoever will be elected as leader of the Government (Katikkiro).

Buganda still in Doubt

Buganda accepts to choose its government by a general election. However, I am not yet clear about whether or not the candidates will be elected on a party basis. All other parts of Uganda have agreed long ago to choose their councils through a general election, as well as to have those elections on a party basis.

The Central Government which rules over all Uganda follows the third form of government, Democracy. Most of the members of that government will be chosen in a general election. All parts of Uganda, except the kingdom of Buganda, have already decided that every single person qualified to vote may elect the candidate of his choice, that is free election Buganda is still doubtful as to whether its people are also ready to elect their representatives in the Central Government, it leaves it to those who will be elected to the Buganda Lukiiko to decide whether Buganda has reached the state where it can elect its own representatives in the central government, the National Assembly.

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