Minister Frank Tumwebaze Defends Gen Muhoozi’s ‘Disrespectful’ Speech At The Kyabazinga’s Wedding

The Minister of Agriculture, Hon Frank Tumwebaze has come to the defense of the first son and advisor of the President on Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This is over his speech at the Kyabazinga’s wedding over the weekend.

Muhoozi who was one of the invited guests took to the microphone and congratulated the Kyabazinga. He added that they are very close friends. Therefore, he gave him 10 cows which he said the Busoga traditional leader will go and pick from his farm.

Some people, however, noticed this and took offense in it. They wondered how Gen Muhoozi, a commoner can direct the King to go and pick the cows from his kraal.

They argued that this was disrespectful and the General ought to bring the cows himself. However, according to Frank Tumwebaze, this is not how things work in the Ankore culture.

He urged people to first learn about people’s cultures before arguing about things they don’t know.

Apparently, when a Munyankore gives you cows, you have to go there yourself physically. This is for the purpose of choosing for oneself.

The invited guest is shown more than one cow so that they can make a decision for themselves.

Additionally, Tumwebaze said that the guest has the right to refuse the cows shown to them and choose one of their preference. This gesture is done out of respect as it would be disrespectful to load the cows without a person seeing them.

“When a munyankole gives/gifts u, a cow(s) , you are taken physically not virtually, to the Kraal to see & choose for yourself. The guest is normally shown more than one cow to select his/her best. In fact, a guest can refuse the cows shown & is allowed to pick on any other that pleases his/her eyes. This is all always out of obufuura(respect)/Amakune(Rutoro-Runyoro) & Rukundo ( Love ), you have for that friend/guest.

It would actually be the real disrespect to load cows before the recipient sees & appreciates them.”

Well, Uganda has a wide variety of different cultures and people usually take offense in the slightest of things.

Furthermore, what applies in one culture might not apply in another. Therefore, it’s about being tolerant and embracing our differences as Ugandans.