By Aggrey Baba
For years, Jinja City Mayor Peter Alton Kasolo’s silence on accusations of defecting to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) made many believe the rumors were true.
His critics, led by his former ally, comedian-turned-activist Husein Muyonjo, widely known as Swengere, have long accused him of betraying the National Unity Platform (NUP).
But now, after years of keeping quiet, Kasolo has finally spoken out.
During a radio interview on Busoga One FM, Kasolo dismissed the allegations, insisting that he has never left NUP. “Apart from Bobi Wine, I think I’m the only genuine member of the National Unity Platform, and the only one who has it at heart,” he declared.
His fallout with Swengere, once his closest persinal and political ally, has been a hot topic since 2021. Swengere played a key role in Kasolo’s campaign, helping him defeat FDC’s late Frank Nabwiso in the Jinja mayoral race.
However, their friendship ended shortly after, with Swengere accusing Kasolo of meeting President Museveni in secret. He even claimed that Kasolo tricked him into driving to Kisozi, only to discover they were meeting the President. This painted Kasolo as a traitor, costing him support and populace in Kavule.
For years, Kasolo did not respond to these accusations, leading many to assume guilt.
But he now says his silence was never an admission of wrongdoing. “Just because I don’t get involved in party activities does not mean I have left NUP. People will continue to blame me, but that’s who I am,” he explained.
Kasolo recalled his history of political activism, revealing that he once lost a job for supporting Dr. Kizza Besigye and refusing to back NRM. “In 2005, I saw how government bribed people to remove the age limit. I stood by my beliefs and even defied my boss, Grace Balyeku, when he wanted me to support NRM. If I was after favors, I would have joined NRM a long time ago,” he argued.
As the 2026 elections approach, Kasolo made it clear that he will be seeking re-election under NUP. “People spreading propaganda that I am NRM have their own interests. But I want to assure my supporters—I am coming back in 2026, still on the NUP ticket.”
On those who have been attacking him, Kasolo had a simple message: “Me, I don’t fight. But those fighting me should know that however much they try, they can never become me. I am blessed, and nothing will change that.”
For now, the accusations may not stop, but at least Kasolo has finally spoken.
Whether his response will convince his critics remains to be seen. But as the saying goes, “The truth may be slow, but it always catches up.” (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
