Mubarak Munyagwa, the former MP for Kawempe South, has criticized the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) for selecting singer Sadat Mukiiibi, also known as Kalifa Aganaga, as their candidate for the Kawempe North MP by-election.
Last week, FDC announced Aganaga, the CEO of Bad Character Music, as their chosen candidate to replace the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, sparking mixed reactions within the political sphere.
Speaking on Sanyuka Television, Munyagwa argued that FDC’s endorsement of Aganaga disrespects Buganda and gives the impression that there are no capable candidates from the region.
He further questioned whether FDC leaders like President Patrick Amuriat and General Secretary Nandala Mafabi would support someone like Aganaga as a candidate in their own regions (Eastern and Bugisu).
“Would Amuriat back him in his own area? Or Would Nandala endorse a candidate from his region who looks so unkempt? He doesn’t even seem to have a clear political stance. His appearance, from his messy clothes to his shoes, is troubling. Did he even wear any FDC colors? Did you hear him make any coherent statements?”,Munyagwa said.
He also expressed concern over FDC’s belief that endorsing an artist would win over Buganda voters, saying, “They seem to think the Baganda will be impressed just by backing any artist. But did Aganaga say anything of substance?”
In response, FDC president Patrick Amuriat defended the decision at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi. He acknowledged the initial doubts about Aganaga but ultimately expressed confidence in his potential, saying,
“We have spoken with Aganaga and discovered that beneath his rough exterior is a competent leader and a good person.”,Amuriat said.
Aganaga, who was previously denied a National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket for Rubaga South in 2021 in favor of the current MP, Aloysius Mukasa, has expressed his readiness to enter politics with support from any willing parties.
The Kawempe North seat became vacant following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya last month, who passed away after weeks of hospitalization at Lubaga Hospital. The Electoral Commission has announced that the by-election will take place on March 13, 2025.
