By Aggrey Baba
The political temperature in Bugiri Municipality is boiling again, and this time, it’s not about party flags or slogans, but about MP Asuman Basalirwa’s sudden resurrection on the ground after years of what Bugirians describe as political hibernation.
Nominations for MPs opened today October 22nd, but Basalirwa will be nominated tomorrow, on 23rd. Basalirwa who shot to Parliament (again) in 2018 with massive support from Robert Kyagulanyi’s then–People Power wave, after three failed trials, has reportedly been spotted everywhere in Bugiri lately. From village meetings to burials, SACCO launches to fundraising drives, the legislator seems determined to remind his voters that he still exists.
But not everyone is buying the charm offensive. In what locals are calling a panic mode revival, many accuse the JEEMA President of waking up only because of pressure from NUP’s Egesa Maserino, who recently got a boost from Kyagulanyi during his campaign tour in Busoga.
Kyagulanyi openly told voters to dump Basalirwa, branding him a political sellout who abandoned the struggle to side with the NRM in Parliament.
Since that moment, the MP has reportedly been all over the place (from the Ghettos of Obama Street, to high end hangouts in Executive hotel) greeting people he rarely met, sitting in village gatherings, and, to the surprise of many, donating large sums of money at local functions.
Sources told our reporter that during a recent SACCO event in Kiwalazi, Naluwerere, Basalirwa stunned attendees when he handed over UGX 500,000 in cash, an amount far higher than even the guest of honour’s contribution.
One attendee who asked not to be named told our reporter that Asuman giving that amount of money was a shocker, adding that Basalirwa has never been known to go beyond 100k, and usually that’s delivered by a representative, not himself.
The gesture has divided opinion among Bugirians. Some say it’s proof that the MP is only pretending to be generous now that his seat is under siege, while others insist the man has always been quietly supportive.
His close allies defend him as a humble, God-fearing Muslim who believes in giving privately, away from cameras. They say his charity towards women’s groups, youth initiatives, and market vendors often goes unnoticed because he doesn’t publicize it.
Still, his critics remain unconvinced, saying his aloof personality and limited interaction with ordinary voters have long made him appear distant and detached, saying Basalirwa is just principled, not proud. Another source explained, adding that the legislator often prefers quiet service to public drama.
Whether Bugiri voters will forgive the firebrand MP, Basalirwa’s long absence from the ground remains to be seen. But for now, as he prepares to nominate tomorrow, he seems to be doing everything to reclaim lost love, shaking hands, donating cash, and smiling for the first time in a long time in the dusty corners of Bugiri Municipality.
If whispers from within the constituency are anything to go by, one thing is clear, that the once-absent MP is finally making noise, but the voters are watching closely, with folded arms. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
