Last week, the Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV was named Ambassador for Special Duties in the President’s Office.
Nadiope was on a list of foreign envoy appointments made by President Yoweri Museveni on Friday.
The appointment led to mixed reactions among the general public with some stating the king was beyond such appointments and others noting that it was unconstitutional as the constitution stipulates that traditional leaders are forbidden from taking part in politics.
Justice Forum (JEEMA) President Asuman Basalirwa who is also a Musoga has threatened to sue government for the unconstitutional move.
When reached, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem who will be Kyabazinga’s boss if he takes up the appointment, scoffed at Basalirwa’s plans to sue the government.
“Ugandans are drunk of going in court over anything. Let the Kyabazinga decide whether he wants to take up the appointment or not,” he said.
“Ugandans should embrace this opportunity and not politicise it. Don’t make a big storm over it.”
Okello Oryem said it is an opportunity the Kyabazinga shouldn’t pass off.
“He will rub shoulders with people he would never have met. He will be able to whisper in the ears of people he would never have met his entire life; presidents, kings and queens all over the world,” he said.
The Kyabazinga will have to be vetted by Parliament before he can be confirmed in his new role. However, he would have to appear before the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga who happens to be his subject in Busoga kingdom. That brings the conundrum of a king being at the mercy of his subject.
“I’m sure Kadaga will handle the matter professionally,” Oryem said.