Uganda Martyrs Were Traitors, Says Buganda Premier Mayiga

Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, the premier of Buganda Kingdom, has offered a controversial perspective on the Uganda Martyrs, suggesting they could be considered traitors under the laws of King Mwanga II’s reign.

In a recent interview, Mayiga explained that the martyrs’ refusal to obey the king’s direct orders, choosing instead to follow Christian teachings, constituted an act of treason in the eyes of the monarch and his officials. He posited that King Mwanga II acted as any ruler would when faced with subjects prioritizing a foreign religious figure, referred to as ‘king’, over their sovereign.

Mayiga defended King Mwanga II against historical condemnation, labeling those who vilify him as ‘lazy thinkers’ who fail to grasp the historical context. He argued that the king was merely upholding his authority and that the circumstances necessitated a choice between allegiance to the crown and the new faith.

Despite this interpretation, Mayiga affirmed that the Buganda Kingdom embraces Christianity and views the martyrs as significant figures of faith. He stressed that Martyrs Day should serve as a time for reflection on leadership and commitment to the public good. He also highlighted the contributions of past kings, including Muteesa I for inviting missionaries and Mwanga II for his role, however contentious, in the spread of Christianity.

Beyond the martyrs, Mayiga also addressed current issues, including criticism of his administration on social media, the quality of education in Uganda, the state of governance and human rights, and the importance of organized urban development. He stressed the need for a strengthened and more accessible judiciary to ensure human rights are upheld and that investigations into alleged corruption, like that concerning former Speaker Anita Among, must follow due legal process.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)