Political commentator Daniel Tumwine has sparked debate over the role of Buganda Kingdom’s monarch, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, amid growing concerns about alleged human rights violations in Uganda.
In a statement, Tumwine questioned why the Kabaka has remained silent despite what he described as worsening treatment of citizens, including the recent reported abduction of lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Tumwine argued that the Kabaka remains one of the most influential figures in the country, capable of commanding attention across political divides.
According to him, both President Yoweri Museveni and his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, hold significant regard for the Buganda monarch, placing him in a unique position to speak out on national issues.
“The Kabaka is the one ‘untouchable’ person in this country,” Tumwine stated, adding that the monarch has the authority to influence events if he chooses to act.
His remarks come amid increasing public scrutiny over alleged state-linked abductions, arrests, and treatment of opposition figures.
The reported incident involving Lukwago has intensified these concerns, drawing reactions from activists, political leaders, and sections of civil society.
Tumwine dismissed the argument that the Kabaka should remain non-political, insisting that the current situation goes beyond politics.
He framed the issue as a matter of criminality and human rights, suggesting that silence in such circumstances raises broader questions about leadership and responsibility.
“People say he should not be political, but when leaders torture citizens, it stops being political and becomes criminal,” he said.
The Buganda Kingdom has historically maintained a cautious approach in engaging with national political matters, often emphasizing cultural leadership over direct political involvement.
However, Tumwine’s comments reflect a growing section of opinion calling for more vocal interventions from traditional institutions during periods of national tension.