Tribalism in Uganda

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Tribalism is part and parcel of the African way of life. It is probably as bad as racism in fracturing society and undermining national integration. The Ugandan media is still heatedly debating a recent letter written by the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, which had some overtones of tribal sentiments. In his letter, the President was advising Ugandans living in Bunyoro region, to leave all elective political positions to the Banyoro tribesmen.

This idea of tribal ring fencing sparked off mixed feelings and utter confusion in the country because it was considered a very serious contradiction of the Presidents earlier position on fighting sectarianism based on tribe. In this particular case, the President was trying to shield the Banyoro from political competition with other tribes living here. It is a well known fact that Bunyoro is no longer a monolithic society-infact it is a melting pot of the various cultures of this country. There are immigrants from Western, Northern and Eastern Uganda who have settled on Bunyoro soil over the years. They all have perceived the Presidents statement as a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise them and they are now heaving with bad blood towards the President for advocating such a view.

The most powerful immigrants currently threatening the political existence of the Banyoro tribe are the Bakiga from Western Uganda. Unlike the Banyoro, the Bakiga are shrewd and extremely hard working people. They indulge in large-scale farming and are particularly famous for having very fertile women. Some of the reasons given for their coming to Bunyoro are those associated with over population. They are also good mobilizers and slowly, but surely, they have the capacity of taking over Bunyoro and this is what the Banyoro don’t like.

The sad side of this story is that our own President is now using tribe to pit one group against another and this is what is worrying Ugandans. Why did the President come up with these ideas now? The answer is very clear-he is seeking re-election in 2011 and wants to win the hearts of the Banyoro. Secondly, the President is aware that Bunyoro has suddenly become a potentially rich region, given that commercial oil mining is scheduled to begin by December this year. He is pursuing an appeasement policy here so that Bunyoro remains free of any disturbances that could affect the oil mining here.

We are watching with keen interest where the President’s tribalistic statements will lead this country.