Juma inhaled deeply before speaking.
"There is one final matter, one close to Nuri's heart."
The hall quieted.
"We seek to end the slave trade, not just within our borders, but in every land that stands with us."
The Kabaka's expression grew somber.
Juma continued.
"We are freeing many people, too many. Nuri is receiving thousands. Soon, we will not have space for our own citizens. So we propose to train these freed people as teachers, craftsmen, linguists… and bring them to Buganda to help expand your kingdom. They will be your citizens, if you accept them."
The silence that followed was heavy.
Then...
A sharp cough from an elder named Kato. His voice was cool, polite, but firm.
"Minister Juma… Nuri's heart is noble. But you ask us to swallow too much. Our clans guard their land fiercely. To bring in thousands of strangers? People whose past is heavy? This is not a small matter."
Another councillor added,
