By Aggrey Baba
[When you send a child to the market, you must first test their bargaining skills at home]. For Kawempe North hopeful Mukiibi Sadat, alias Kalifah Aganaga, his recent debate performance on BBS TV left many wondering if he is ready for the political marketplace.
While campaigning for NUP candidate Elias Nalukola Luyimbaazi, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze did not mince words as she tore into Aganaga’s lack of preparedness and political understanding.
During the televised debate, Aganaga was asked about the proposed amendment to the UPDF Act. Instead of addressing the real issue, whether civilians should be tried in military courts, and he confidently answered, “I will make sure that soldiers’ salaries are increased.”
The blunder was met with murmurs of disbelief, as even the moderators struggled to mask their surprise.
As if that was not enough, when asked to name the parishes that make up Kawempe North, Aganaga stammered, unable to answer.
The final moment of shock came when he was asked why he decided to contest for the seat. With a beaming smile, he simply said, “God is really good. I can’t believe I’m also going to be on the ballot paper.”
Nambooze, a seasoned politician known for her sharp tongue, wasted no time in tearing into the FDC candidate’s performance. Addressing a gathering in Kawempe while campaigning for Luyimbaazi, she ridiculed the musician-turned-politician’s responses.
[How do you say you are going to Parliament to increase soldiers’ salaries when the issue at hand is about civilians being tried in military courts? This is not a joke. Parliament is not a studio where you freestyle and hope people will dance along].
She went on to question his knowledge of the constituency he wants to lead. “If you can’t even name the parishes that make up Kawempe North, how will you represent the people? Leadership is not about popularity, but understanding the needs of the people and fighting for them.”
Mocking his response about being surprised to be on the ballot, Nambooze added, “Leadership is not an accident. You don’t just wake up and find yourself on the ballot paper. It takes vision, preparation, and commitment.”
With elections fast approaching, Nambooze urged the people of Kawempe North to choose wisely. “Do not vote for people who are excited just to be on the ballot. Vote for those who are ready to serve, who understand the laws, and who can stand up for you in Parliament,” she emphasized.
An old Luganda saying goes that [When the drum is too loud, it might be empty inside], and the people of Kawempe North now have the task of deciding whether Aganaga’s celebrity status is enough or if experience and knowledge should carry the day. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
