The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | President Yoweri Museveni has supported Prof. Apolo Nsibambi’s choice for a female heir, chosen among his children defining it as a sane decision, even when it defies African tradition.
Prof Nsibambi named his eldest daughter Rhoda Nakimuli Kasujja as his heir evoking criticism within Buganda., Kingdom where many still believe that inheritance is a preserve of the boy child. Buganda Kingdom officials argued that in his choice, Prof Nsibambi put modernity ahead of tradition, thereby endorsing an abomination.
The head of the Ffumbe clan, to which Nsibambi belonged, also instituted investigations to ascertain whether the deceased did not have a male relative within the entire lineage, who would be named an heir. The clan head Walusimbi Mbirozankya argued that it was against the Buganda tradition for a girl to be her father’s heir saying that in absence of a male child, a nephew is chosen or a brother to the deceased.
But in his speech following the 2019/2020 budget reading by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija at Kampala Serena Hotel on Thursday, President Museveni said that it was sane for girls to inherit their parents’ wealth and responsibilities in certain circumstances. He said he had a discussion with Nsibambi about his choice long before he passed on.
President Museveni also observed a need for a thorough talk on rational traditions and modern science. He said that Africa cannot be strong with traditions that disable her hence a need for all traditions to be audited.
“I saw Lawyer Mulira arguing legally about the issue of the hire of prof. Nsibambi. With me, when dealing with issues I never start with legality but with legitimacy. Is it legitimate? Is it reasonable? Is it rational for girls to inherit their parents’ wealth and responsibilities in some circumstances?” Museveni asked amidst applause from the audience.
He responded to his question saying that in the modern context, the answer is an equivocal yes, attracting more applause.
The President said currently, considerations about some cultures are different with the main challenge being the creation of modern wealth through commercial agriculture, factories, hotels, ICT companies and others.
He questioned the reasonability of tradition to force Nsibambi or any other person who has worked hard for his school of thought to bequeath his wealth to a lousy relative.
Nsibambi, 78, served as Prime Minister from 1999 until 2011. Professor Nsibambi became the first non-Head of State Chancellor of Makerere University from 2003 to 2007.
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