The largest tribe, the Baganda, rallied in a vast throng in January to demand greater autonomy.

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Although many support the idea of greater regional autonomy, they also fear Baganda dominance.

ECONOMIST: Uganda's biggest tribe calls for federalism and autonomy

If he were to grant the Baganda the federalism they want, it would win him warm support from at least a quarter of the population.

ECONOMIST: Uganda's biggest tribe calls for federalism and autonomy

It is a measure of this suspicion that the other tribes, which agree on little else, have always managed to keep the Baganda from wielding effective power.

ECONOMIST: Uganda's biggest tribe calls for federalism and autonomy

Now the Baganda are less keen on him.

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But Baganda leaders say that impatience is growing.

ECONOMIST: Uganda's biggest tribe calls for federalism and autonomy

But then Mr Museveni, who is from a western tribe, promised to bring the present kabaka home as part of a bid to win Baganda support in the guerrilla war that brought him to power in 1986.

ECONOMIST: Uganda's biggest tribe calls for federalism and autonomy