KAMPALA: Ugandans have expressed mixed reactions after pictures emerged of several African leaders travelling in a bus on the way to Buckingham Palace to attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.
Some of the African leaders pictured on the bus are Kenya’s William Ruto, Tanzania’s Suluhu Hassan, and Uganda’s Jeje Odongo who represented President Museveni. Other leaders such as Canada’s Justin Trudeau, New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, China’s Wang Qishan and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro also used the bus.
However, US President Joe Biden’s motorcade was allowed into the palace. The move was seen as an attempt by UK to avoid traffic nightmare given that thousands of world leaders are in the UK to attend the funeral.
And now, Ugandans have taken to social media to mock African leaders for always preferring the extravagance of huge motorcades.
Canary Mugume tweeted: “Point is, at state functions happening in Kololo – not all Ministers, leaders of Gov’t departments and parastatals have to drive their convoys & create a traffic mess for all of us in town. Should always park at Parliament and be transported in a bus to the venue. Lesson for UG?”
Emmanuel Dombo tweeted: This might be the biggest VVIP function that has ever taken place at State level. Its logistical requirements had to be adjusted in order to manage the time lines and also provide them with the usual courtesys associated with their offices.
Muchope Amooti: It should teach them a lesson that they don’t actually require 20+ cars to transport just one person. We can significantly reduce that & save costs.
Biarmocychol: African leaders being ferried in buses to Buckingham should be a lesson to them. Value state resources and stop spending beyond your limits. I don’t see any reason why Africans are complaining.
Linus Avenger: We need to set our own standards as Africans. Humility is good but even Jesus traveled on a donkey on his way to Jerusalem in glory. Otherwise they will make us fetch water at burial. Am hoping my president M7 didn’t use that bus.
Betty Mungathia: This is unacceptable, bambaric, lack of respect and intimidation of the highest caliber. Why much disrespect to the African leaders. In the first place, why did they go there for such an embarrassment? Neo-colonialism.
Namatiti: This is the biggest stately affair that has happened at short notice and is a logistical and security nightmare. It’s not only African presidents on those buses. Can you imagine holding and organising over 100 state dinners in one day? Being on buses made it easier for security.