Dr. Abed Bwanika, Member of Parliament for Kimaanya-Kabonera Division, has criticized Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, the President of the National Unity Platform (NUP), regarding an ongoing disagreement involving Charles Peter Mayiga, the former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and the Prime Minister of the Buganda Kingdom.
During his address at the burial of Pascal Ssekasamba, the brother of the late Mathias Nsubuga Birekeraawo, a former MP for Bukoto South and Secretary General of the Democratic Party (DP), Dr. Bwanika accused Mr. Kyagulanyi of orchestrating politically motivated attacks against both leaders.
Dr. Bwanika appealed for mutual respect in politics, urging Mr. Kyagulanyi to cease attacks on leaders such as the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda Kingdom, stressing that those targeted are also respected figures in their own right. Despite his plea, some attendees heckled Dr. Bwanika during his speech.
The burial, held in Manja village, Kisekka Sub County, Lwengo District, quickly became contentious as supporters of the NUP labeled Dr. Bwanika a “snake” following his assertion that he could remove them from the political scene. Dr. Bwanika further alleged that Mr. Kyagulanyi had failed to control his supporters who engage in such attacks.
In a surprising turn, the audience continued to express dissent, leading to the removal of Dr. Bwanika’s microphone. However, when Mr. Kyagulanyi took the floor, he commenced with an apology for the statements made by Dr. Bwanika. Despite this, Mr. Kyagulanyi reminded Dr. Bwanika of the support he received from him during his journey to becoming an MP.
Mr. Kyagulanyi reiterated that his primary adversary is President Museveni and stressed the importance of unity within the opposition. He conveyed his lack of animosity towards Mathias Mpuuga, emphasizing the need for respect and solidarity among opposition members.
Expressing the challenges he faces both externally and internally, Mr. Kyagulanyi requested the audience’s prayers, highlighting the internal conflicts within his party. He emphasized the importance of good conduct among party members.
The burial proceedings, which commenced with a mass led by Fr. Henry Kasule of Kyanukuzi Parish, saw Mathias Mpuuga, the MP for Nyendo-Mukungwe and Parliamentary Commissioner, being denied an opportunity to speak. Various dignitaries attended the event.
The widow, Ms. Evelyn Nakku Ssekasamba, expressed gratitude for her late husband’s life and encouraged her children to maintain faith in God. Pascal Ssekasamba was laid to rest at his ancestral home amidst the political tensions that marked his burial ceremony.
