Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga reveals why Bobi Wine and NUP are not welcome on CBS and BBS.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has come out swinging against claims by the National Unity Platform (NUP) that he has been blocking the party and its president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, from appearing on Buganda Kingdom–owned media platforms — BBS Terefayina and CBS Radio.

In an interview with journalist Adam Kungu, Mayiga set the record straight, insisting that he has no authority to determine who appears on those media outlets.

“It’s not true that I have the power to decide who goes on air. I have never instructed anyone to host or block a particular person. Those media houses have independent management teams that make such decisions,” he said.

The Katikkiro further revealed that NUP is not the first political group to accuse him of favoritism. According to him, members from the NRM and DP have made similar complaints in the past.

“Surprisingly, several NUP members have appeared on CBS and BBS. But they aren’t the first to accuse me. Even people from NRM and DP have approached me, saying they’re not given airtime — yet I have no power over that,” he added.

Mayiga clarified that the only time he gives directives to the kingdom media is when it concerns Buganda’s development, youth empowerment, and the Kabaka’s welfare.

“What I emphasize is that the media should prioritize kingdom issues — matters of the Kabaka, youth empowerment, development, and giving a voice to the marginalized. Beyond that, I don’t interfere. I don’t select news items or decide who gets invited,” he noted.

NUP-MENGO TENSIONS SIMMER

The remarks come amid ongoing friction between NUP and Mengo, the seat of Buganda’s administration. While campaigning in Bunyoro recently, Bobi Wine lamented being sidelined in his own kingdom, accusing Buganda institutions of deliberately ignoring him and his party.

However, insiders point out that this bad blood has been brewing for a while. Many within the kingdom — including elders and cultural loyalists — view NUP supporters’ constant attacks on the Katikkiro as deeply disrespectful.

To make matters worse, critics say Bobi Wine has done little to rein in his aggressive supporters, some of whom have waged online and on-air tirades against Mengo officials, further widening the rift between the kingdom and Uganda’s leading opposition party.

In the end, Mayiga’s message was clear — keep Buganda institutions out of partisan wars.

“Our media platforms are for everyone. Politics should not divide us, especially when it comes to promoting Buganda’s progress,” he concluded.