AUTONOMY MOVE IN UGANDA

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27211, 1 December 1953, Page 9

AUTONOMY MOVE IN UGANDA

PRECAUTIONS TAKEN AGAINST RIOTS (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) KAMPALA (Uganda), Nov. 29. Troops and police stood by today in case of disturbances over a demand by Buganda, the central province of Uganda, for self-government. A company of the 4th King’s African Rifles, veterans of the anti-Mau Mau fight in Kenya, has been moved to the outskirts of Kampala and the rest of the battalion is within an hour’s call. Anti-riot orders have been issued to all police, and mobile road barriers have been constructed. A military liaison office has been established at police headquarters. Mechanics worked all night to service police Bren-gun carriers, armoured cars and field radio transmitters. The precautions have been taken because of the possibility of trouble after the Governor of Uganda (Sir Andrew Cohen) has replied to a request from the Buganda Parliament for setting a date for granting self-government. The Governor is expected to reply that no date can be fixed. Trouble is also feared over the possibility of the reappointment of three native Ministers who are unpopular with the Uganda African Congress. The congress strongly objects to these Ministers, alleging that they are “pro-British.” The native press in Kampala has taken up the cry for self-government. The Buganda province is recognised as a native kingdom. The king is assisted in his administration by three Ministers and the Parliament, which deals with purely native matters. The Uganda Government advises and supervises the Parliament.