CJ Owiny-Dollo apologizes to Kabaka, Buganda over tribalist remarks

KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Chief Justice of Uganda, Alphonse Owiny Dollo has finally apologized to the Kabaka of Buganda and the nation at large over his alleged tribalistic remarks.

In a statement released on Monday, March 28, 2022, The chief justice apologized to the Kabaka of Buganda for his statements, saying it was out of emotional rise that he made the irrational comments.

“I made a wrong and inappropriate reference to His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda. I hereby unequivocally, unreservedly and of my free volition, wholly retract that reference and also hereby tender my apology to His Majesty, the Kabaka,” Dollo said Monday evening.

The chief justice last week said at the vigil for the fallen former speaker, Jacob Oulanyah, that it was wicked for some people (referring to NUP supporters) to protest the decision to fly Oulanyah to the US when the “ethnic leader of one of the groups, (referring to Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi), was at one time flown aboard the presidential jet to get treatment in Germany.”

Days later, the Buganda Kingdom in a retaliating statement released by Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, stated the Kabaka has never used the presidential jet as had been said by the Chief Justice.

Dollo’s remarks raised public uproar with many leaders in Buganda urging him to apologize to the kingdom or else resign his position as the Chief Justice.

Notable among the leaders was National Unity Platform(NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine who said Dollo’s unfortunate comments and that all citizens, no matter their tribe, must condemn them. He can only say to the nation what criteria he used to conclude that the protesters were all Baganda.

According to Kyagulanyi’s statement, “If Mr. Owiny Dollo had any decency left in him, the moral thing for him to do would be to apologize to the nation as well as to His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda, about whom he lied and accused of flying in a presidential jet.”

However, despite issuing an apology to the Kingdom, the Chief Justice said he stood by his “castigation of those who mercilessly tormented Jacob Oulanyah at the time he needed compassion most; and, who continue to inexplicably dance on his grave.”

“I reiterate that this contravenes our much- cherished African culture and it must be condemned by all people of goodwill. I also reiterate the statement I made about my admiration of, and long-standing association with, the people of Buganda among whom I have lived for the greater part of my life.” He said.

Dollo also thanks to the “which has demonstrated maturity, magnanimity, soberness, and a conciliatory tone.”

“That reflects and displays the true nature of the Buganda I have always proudly associated myself with given the tone of communication by the Rt Hon Katikloro, we can now all in harmony accord the Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah a dignified funeral, concluding with his burial to which everyone is most welcome to attend.”