On 21 November 1969 Kabaka Ronald Mutebi’s father Sir Edward Muteesa died in London, raising suspicion of foul play.
But his burial in the land of his forefathers waited for Gen Idi Amin to oust his boss Dr Milton Obote in the 1971 coup.
In 1966, following reports that Muteesa was secretly arming for rebellion, Obote directed Amin “to inspect” Mengo palace. The result was a pitched battle that ended in Muteesa’s exile and the abolition of monarchies.
But those who expected Muteesa’s burial to be followed by Mutebi’s coronation were told by Amin, in no uncertain terms, that the era of kings and kingdoms was closed.
Like other traditional entities, Buganda Kingdom’s renaissance had to wait for the victory of the NRM/NRA and Yoweri Museveni 20 years after their abolition.
As you sadly remember 21 November 1969, fast forward to today and chalk up another Gain to Protect under NRM!