HC Deb 31 January 1961 vol 633 cc97-8W
58. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the situation in Uganda, the decisions of the Buganda Lukiko and the Bunyoro Rukurato, and the present policy of Her Majesty's Government in these matters.

Mr. H. Fraser

As regards the situation in the Protectorate generally and the policy of Her Majesty's Government I would invite attention to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member on 27th October, 1960. Protectorate-wide Common Roll Elections to the Legislative Council are expected to be completed by 24th March. In view of the fact that Her Majesty's Government regard secession by Buganda as a quite unrealistic concept in present circumstances and harmful both to Buganda and to the rest of the country, the Acting Governor of Uganda, with my right hon. Friend's authority, rejected a secession resolution by the Buganda Lukiko dated 31st December. I am aware of a resolution by the Bunyoro Rukurato calling for suspension of the Buganda Constitution. The Governor has rightly taken the view that no action should be taken on this resolution.

My right hon. Friend is convinced that the Relationships Commission, with its comprehensive terms of reference can do much to help Buganda and the other parts of Uganda to achieve a satisfactory solution to their problems.

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