HC Deb 20 March 1958 vol 584 cc1410-1
27. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals the Governor of Uganda has made to the Buganda Lukiko to secure the fullest possible registration of electors for the direct elections to the Legislative Council; and what efforts have been made to secure direct elections to the Buganda Lukiko.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Following discussions with a delegation from the Lukiko, the Governor of Uganda has replied to the Lukiko resolution of 4th March and has called upon the Lukiko to say categorically whether or not it wishes direct elections to the Legislative Council to be held in Buganda this year. I have arranged for copies of the Governor's reply to be placed in the Library.

As regards the introduction of direct elections to the Lukiko, a motion proposing this was defeated in the Lukiko last November, when it was decided to postpone consideration of this issue until after the system of direct elections to the Legislative Council had been observed in practice.

Mr. Stonehouse

While thanking the Secretary of State for that reply, may I ask him if he is aware of the great importance of direct elections taking place in Buganda at the same time as they take place in the rest of Uganda? Is it not important also that direct elections to the Buganda Lukiko should soon take place?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

To the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question my answer would be "Yes". On the second part, I regard the question of elections to the Lukiko as primarily a domestic matter for the people of Buganda.

41. Mrs. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the present objections of the Buganda Government to the registration of electors for the proposed Legislative Council elections.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The Kabaka's Government objected to the appointment by the Protectorate Government of Buganda Chiefs as assistant registration officers, and to their taking an oath not to reveal election secrets which, it was claimed, would be in conflict with their oath of allegiance to the Kabaka. The Protectorate Government made suggestions to overcome these difficulties, but the Lukiko subsequently resolved that preparations for elections be suspended in Buganda pending discussions on certain constitutional issues.

Mrs. White

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many hon. Members on, I believe, both sides of the House have been disappointed by the objections put up by the Kabaka's Government in this matter, and that we hope that they will very soon come to a decision whereby such registration may proceed?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I share that hope.

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