Fury As Isabaruuli Dissolves Chiefdom Cabinet

Disputes have emerged in Buruuli chiefdom following the dismissal of ministers by the cultural Leader Isabaruuli Mwogezi Butamanya. The 42 Ministers were sacked jointly during a crisis cabinet meeting convened last week at the Chiefdom palace in Kibira village, Nakasongola town council.

Butamanya didn\'t give details for the decision but appointed an interim committee led by George Ongom to advise him on, among others; the implementation of constitutional reforms that were launched on 10th December 2014 to coincide with the coronation anniversary of the Isabaruuli.

The reforms among other key issues give powers to Isabaruuli to rule till death but reject the proposal to make the throne hereditary. They also give the clan council a mandate to vet ministerial nominees before they can assume office.

The decision has met criticism from the fired ministers and chiefdom advisers who are now accusing the Isabaruuli of rushing into decisions that could foster a crisis in the chiefdom.

Outgoing Prime Minister Erukam Kwebeya says that the sacking which until now not explained came as a sudden development. He adds that although they intended to ask the motive as a reaction to the leader\'s speech, the item was scrapped off the agenda for the meeting on the fateful day.

Gawera Ssebwato, the First Deputy Premier adds that although the Isabaruuli has powers to fire appointed officials, the decision he took was radical. He suspects that it was taken out of anger following the rejection of his personal proposal to make the Buruuli cultural throne hereditary.

James Wandira, an adviser to Isabaruuli and Nakasongola LC 5 chairman says that the sacking has created uncertainty in the chiefdom.  He questions why the leaders opted to fire his cabinet as opposing to a reshuffle.

But Samuel Kaweesi the Isabaruuli spokesperson explains that disbanding of the cabinet is aimed at streamlining chiefdom operations. He adds that for the last 10 years, Buruuli has operated with no clear constitution and that Isabaruuli wanted to have his ministers vetted in line with the provisions in the constitutional reforms.

George Ongom the Chairperson of New Interim committee couldn\'t be reached but sources say Isabaruuli has fixed 16th January for another meeting with members of the committee to forge a way forward.