C
urrently, there is no politician from Masaabaland who can directly communicate with President Museveni about the many problems in Masaabaland. This lack of direct communication is analogous to the distance between Satan and God. This includes alerting him about the increasing political marginalization of Bamasaaba, which is driving many away from the NRM. It’s surprising that Bududa could produce an NUP member of parliament, considering that all LCV chairmen who were elected to parliament in 2016 were appointed ministers. Examples include Hajji Nadduli, Vincent Sempijja, Ismail Orot, and Mr. Gulume, who was the Jinja District chairman. Bobi Wine found Hon. Nambeshe in a desperate state, almost committing suicide on the precincts of Parliament. He appointed him as his vice president for Eastern Uganda and LOP chief whip. Hon. Nambeshe has gained more influence after these appointments and was almost taking on the role of LOP if Mengo had not lobbied for Hon. Mpuuga.
James Wapakhabulo was one of the most towering politicians, according to political pundits in the region. Speaking on BBC Focus on Africa around 2003, he expressed his intention to enter the political arena to lead Uganda once President Museveni retired in 2006.
James Wapakhabulo Wambogo was born in Mbale District around 1945. Throughout his life, he was deeply involved in law and politics. One of his memorable contributions was his definition of a constitution as “a summary of the basic laws of the country,” which no law student could gloss over.
During political struggles in Mbale Municipal Constituency, which was then UPC-leaning, James Wapakhabulo contested against Uganda’s Chief Justice, George Masika, for the Mbale Municipal parliamentary seat. The battle was intense until President Museveni intervened by appointing him Constituency Assembly (CA) chairman to oversee the constitution-making process. Hakim Watenyeri of UPC, who was one of George Masika’s leading campaign managers, described James Wapakhabulo as a very intelligent man, an orator, and thoroughly informed. Even Chief Justice George Masika found him a formidable opponent.
Ritah Namuwenge, who was involved in Wapakhabulo’s campaigns, recalled that he prioritized issues such as healthcare, roads, and education for his people. He is credited with establishing Cure Hospital in the Bugisu region, a feat unmatched by current politicians.
Mrs. James Wapakhabulo mentioned that if he were alive, he would be 79 years old by now. Unfortunately, he passed away about 20 years ago due to stroke and pneumonia. Mama Angelina Wapakhabulo referred the writer to their clan chairman for additional details during a phone conversation for this edition. She also provided updates on the dry spell in Sironko and Bugisu generally.
No politician from Masaabaland has risen higher than James Wapakhabulo, according to Ritah Namuwenge, the current National EMYOOGA coordinator. She noted that if Wapakhabulo knew you were against him, he would confront you directly.
Another confidant of James Wapakhabulo, Mr. Hebert Mulekwa, said that Wapakhabulo always delivered on his promises. This was evident from his campaign slogan during parliamentary elections. Wapakhabulo helped many Bamasaaba secure jobs, a feat unmatched by current politicians who lack the same level of connection.
Wapakhabulo was heavily involved in the liberation struggle against dictatorial regimes from the formative days of the NRM. He worked as a member of the external wing based in Papua New Guinea and Australia. Professor Bukenya recalled encountering Wapakhabulo in a supermarket in Papua New Guinea in the early 1980s.
James Wapakhabulo was a graduate of the University of Dar es Salaam and a close political and academic friend of the current Ugandan president. He married Angelina Wapakhabulo, a Tanzanian by birth, with whom he had a wonderful family.
Hon. James Wapakhabulo is highly respected and followed by many current politicians in Masaabaland. However, none can match his legacy. He passed away at the age of 59 from the effects of stroke and pneumonia at his home in Kololo, Kampala, and was laid to rest in his ancestral home in Mafudu, Sironko.
His departure from the political scene has led to the rise of opposition politics in the region, swinging Bamasaaba towards UPC, similar to the 1980s.
The writer is the spokesperson inzuyamasaba
