The minister for presidency Esther Mbayo has blamed the Catholic Church and some Buganda Kingdom officials for the recent voting pattern that saw the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) overwhelmingly defeated in the Buganda region.
While addressing journalists yesterday on Friday about the 35th NRM and National Resistance Army (NRA) Victory Day celebration to take place at State House Entebbe on 26th January, Mbayo claimed they have it on record that during campaigns Buganda kingdom officials and priests in the Catholic Church were advocating for the voting of only leaders who have Buganda’s interests at heart.
“They encouraged people to only vote for ‘red coffee’ (NUP party major colour),” said Mbayo.
Mbayo asked the two institutions to stick to their core roles instead of meddling in politics.
“Everybody should concentrate on what they are supposed to do. If you are the church concentrate on that, and if you are a politician, concentrate on that. If you want to join politics, put off the robes and come,” said Mbayo.
Early last week, Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga responded to those accusing the people of Buganda for the way they voted in the recently concluded election. Mayiga dismissed the talk of sectarian voting in Buganda, saying there is no harm in Baganda voting for fellow Baganda as other regions also do the same.
Mayiga advised the NRM to instead look at the failed service delivery in the region.