Comments by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo in which he described some Ugandans of Buganda ethnicity as “wicked” have drown mixed feelings from the public.
The Chief Justice last night went off about the demonstrations which took place in the United States in February this year after Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah was flown to a hospital in Washington State for treatment.
The demonstrations where reportedly organized by supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform, (NUP), whose leadership however, has insisted that the protests were against the poor health services in Uganda and not against Oulanyah.
Speaking on Wednesday at a vigil for the now deceased Speaker, Justice Owiny-Dollo blamed the demonstrations on people from Buganda.
He went on to wonder why the same people did not hold similar demonstrations when the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi was flown to Germany for treatment following a severe allergic reaction in August last year.
“But you, who were demonstrating… your ethnic leader was transported in a presidential jet to Germany using private funds he was not entitled. You did not demonstrate,” he said.
“Is it because Oulanyah is an Acholi? Is it because Oulanyah doesn’t speak your language? Only a wicked person can fight a person who is fighting for his life.”
Here’s the video of Owiny Dollo attacking a whole community. Naye Abaganda tujogeddwa nyo atte nno mwattu ewaffe. pic.twitter.com/XRogiAhOmx
Dollo’s remarks quickly sparked reactions on social media with several commentators accusing him of playing into the already spiralling tribal debate that appears to pit the Acholi against other tribes in the country.
“Shameful that the Chief Justice of Uganda and (Norbert Mao) have turned diaspora protests over medical tourism by government officials into a tribal war,” remarked one Daniel Kawuma, a human rights activist.
“They are pouring gasoline on this incident for their political benefit using the death of the speaker to ignite tribal tension”
“One would expect the Chief Justice to do his homework before making such a statement. They say “as sober as a judge,” added one Jamil Mujuzi.
Veteran journalist Simon Kaggwa Njala described the comments by the Chief Justice as “uncouth, indecorous and shameful”
“A Chief Justice, a paragon of justice, to fan tribal sentiments? Please be decent and apologize. This is so infuriating.” He added
“Embarrassing for the Chief Justice to engage in tribalistic talk like he did last night. Is he 100% certain all those demonstrating in Seattle were Baganda? This tone was set by Mao for several weeks & now sadly the Speaker’s death is being used to fan possibly true inner feelings” went one Jonah Byakutaga.
The Chief Justice also received support from other commentators.
“Chief Justice of Uganda, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, couldn’t have said it any better,” tweeted one by user name “The Bandit.”
“Only a wicked person fights a person, fighting for his life!”
Following the passing of Speaker Oulanyah last Sunday, several leaders from the Acholi region have come out to fuel tribal tensions, with some claiming he was killed, while others demanded for him to be replaced by another Acholi.
The comments have received uniform condemnation including from top government officials and senior members of the ruling NRM Party.
The body of the fallen Speaker is expected back in the country this weekend.
Justice dollo is 100% correct to utter that because why must you as Baganda in NUB fight some one who is struggling for his health are you not human beings ? Why didn't you strike when your king was flown out for treatment worse still on tax prayers money not Buganda money live our justice alone, he is a human being like you and has human feelings.
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