HC Deb 08 December 1960 vol 631 cc1427-9
34. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans there are for representation of the people of Buganda in the Central Legislative Council of Uganda after the forthcoming general election in Uganda, in view of the very small registration of electors in Buganda.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The representation of Buganda has already been provided for in the arrangements for Protectorate-wide elections to be held next March. Although the number of electors who have registered in Buganda is small in comparison with those who have registered elsewhere, I nevertheless hope that this will not materially prejudice the quality of Buganda's representation in the new Legislature.

Mr. Goodhart

Do we seriously intend to go ahead with these elections in Buganda if there is no improvement in the number of registrations, or will we admit that in this particular trial of strength the Kabaka's Government have won?

Mr. Macleod

The answer to whether we will go ahead with elections is beyond question, "Yes". I am sure that my hon. Friend will recognise that the one thing that the rest of the Protectorate is very much afraid of indeed is that we will not go ahead with the elections throughout the Protectorate. I am certain that it would be right to do so. I have done everything I can through the Relations Commission, the chairman of which is at present in Uganda, to allay the anxieties of the Baganda in this matter.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his policy in Uganda is extremely wise in present circumstances and that it is in the best interests of all the Uganda people that Buganda should not become a separate independent State as intended on 1st January? Will he confirm that a central and democratic Legislative Council will be created?

Mr. Macleod

I hope that both sides of the House will realise that there are, as it were, two barrels to my policy. The first is that there should be Protectorate-wide elections. It is a very difficult policy, but I believe that it is right, in spite of the situation in Buganda. Secondly, I believe that, through the medium of the Relationships Commission, we should try to do what we can to meet the anxieties of those in Buganda and the other Agreement Districts throughout the Protectorate.

Sir P. Agnew

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the refraining of the vast majority of the Baganda from registering for these elections is due to a deep-seated fear of a possible injustice by Her Majesty's Government as a result of their handing over power to a central Legislature which might have power over the very structure of the Buganda Kingdom itself?

Mr. Macleod

With respect, I am not sure that that is right. If it were, surely by far the best course for the Baganda to take is, as they could do, to use their full power through the ballot box in the Legislative Council for the whole Protectorate.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Is the Relationships Commission empowered to report adversely about the holding of elections in March if the chairman and other members of it discover on their rounds in Uganda that that would be the wisest course?

Mr. Macleod

I suppose that that is not strictly within their terms of reference, but if the chairman wished to make representations to me on those matters, of course I would consider them.

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