It was drama and political fireworks in Mubende on Sunday as Bukoto South MP Twaha Kagabo was booed off stage by furious residents after calling the National Unity Platform (NUP) a “disease.”
Kagabo, who was speaking at an NRM Buganda Parliamentary Caucus gathering at Kassana Playground, seemed to have the crowd with him at first, praising the government’s development efforts. “People of Mubende, you are lucky. I saw good roads and markets when I arrived. You should be grateful to the NRM government,” he said.
But things took a wild turn when the MP unleashed a political jab at NUP, saying:
“I thank the people of Mubende for not supporting this disease called NUP.”
The crowd, in a matter of seconds, chants of “Leave the stage! Leave the stage!” filled the air. Some attendees even stood up and pointed fingers, demanding the MP exit immediately.
Clearly rattled and overwhelmed by the noise, Kagabo hastily wrapped up his remarks, only managing to introduce Kyankwanzi Woman MP Christine Bukenya before stepping down in embarrassment.
Kagabo has been at the center of several controversies stemming from his strained relationship with the National Unity Platform (NUP).
In a notable incident, Kagabo returned Shs 40 million to the office of the former Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, claiming the funds originated from the Speaker of Parliament’s residence for an unspecified activity. He stated that NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi had directed party MPs to return such funds. However, Kagabo later apologized to the Speaker, acknowledging that he had unintentionally tarnished the image of Parliament by returning the alleged bribe.
Kagabo has openly criticized NUP’s handling of internal matters, particularly the dismissal of Mpuuga as Parliamentary Commissioner over corruption allegations. He argued that such issues should be addressed internally rather than publicly, suggesting that the party’s approach lacks maturity and readiness for national leadership.
Expressing dissatisfaction with NUP’s direction, Kagabo announced he would not seek re-election under the party’s banner. He likened NUP’s political strategy to “gala football,” implying a lack of seriousness and long-term planning. Kagabo has also shown affiliations with the MK movement and has been recognized as an NRM well-wisher.
Similarly, in April 2023, reports indicated that NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi accused Kagabo of supporting the ruling NRM party and deviating from NUP’s principles. Kyagulanyi reportedly stated that Kagabo no longer represented NUP values and had aligned himself with personal interests.
