Why CJ Owiny-Dollo Rushed To Mengo to Apologize to Kabaka

Chief Justice Owiny Dollo has today visited Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo to physically deliver his apology to the kingdom over the unsuitable statements he made at the late Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah’s vigil.

Chief Justice Owiny Dollo Meets Mayiga at Mengo

Recently Dollo apologized to the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, over his remarks that the king was airlifted for treatment in Germany in a presidential aircraft.

However, accompanied by the former UPC President Olara Otunu, among other dignitaries, Owiny Dollo was today received by Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, who introduced him to the Buganda officials and religious leaders present.

In a closed-door meeting with the Katikkiro, Dolo apologized to the Kabaka.

After the meeting, the CJ and the Katikkiro addressed the media, and the former said they came in peace and they are leaving knowing they are closer.

“After this, we are better people than before the meeting. I thank the delegation that accompanied me here. This is proof that we can resolve differences between us amicably as people than if it was my victory against the Katikkiro or the Katikkiro against me.”he said.

The Katikkiro, in his remarks commended the Chief Justice for his courage.

“I commend the Chief Justice for the humility he has exhibited. In Buganda, we say that friendship comes after a fight. The Chief Justice has come as a friend and he is going to leave as a brother,” Mayiga noted urging all Ugandans to leave all that was said behind them.

BELOW IS CHIEF JUSTICE OWINY-DOLLO’S FULL STATEMENT BEFORE HE WENT TO MENGO

Last week, during the vigil held at the home of the fallen Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah, I made a speech that was laden with unbearable grief and pain for the demise of our departed brother.

This grief and pain [were] exacerbated by those who had exhibited unthinkable callousness while the Speaker was fighting for his life; and, have continued to do so even as he lies dead. I castigated the perpetrators of these evil deeds in no uncertain language.

However, in the course of this emotional expression, 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. I will immediately hereafter communicate to the Katikkiro of Buganda in writing, registering this apology.

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. I call upon them to be wary of people who are now seen as representing the views of Buganda, but instead tarnish the great name of Buganda. On this, I speak from experience; the Acoli having suffered the tragic repercussions caused in part by our failure to shun and restrain those who were ill-placed to occupy position as opinion leaders influencing the course of events in our society, for which we have paid a heavy price.

I reiterate my appeal to the people of Buganda to learn from our experience. In this regard, I do profusely hail Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga for his press release 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 Katikkiro, 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. Last week, during the vigil held at the home of the fallen Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah, I made a speech that was laden with unbearable grief and pain for the demise of our departed brother.

Otherwise, I stand firm in my 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 good will. 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.

I call upon them to be wary of people who are now seen as representing the views of Buganda, but instead tarnish the great name of Buganda. On this, I speak from experience; the Acoli having suffered the tragic repercussions caused in part by our failure to shun and restrain those who were ill-placed to occupy position as opinion leaders influencing the course of events in our society, for which we have paid a heavy price.

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo