NUP MP Muwada’s Populist Stunt Backfires At Kiteezi Landfill Tragedy

The Police, Saturday morning, saved Kyadondo East MP Muwada Nkunyingi (NUP) from angry survivors of the Kiteezi landfill collapse.

The MP had arrived at the scene with a rake, purportedly to help dig out survivors, but his populist stunt backfired.

Survivors were irked by the MP’s attempt to join them in digging, saying they needed logistical support, not his “cheap showbiz”. They accused him of seeking “media attention” rather than genuinely helping them.

Victims saw the MP’s actions as “insensitive and dismissive of the survivors’ plight.”  In addition, they felt he was more concerned with being seen to be doing something than actually making a meaningful contribution, hence holding him by collars.

As the situation escalated, police intervened to evacuate the MP, preventing further confrontation. The survivors’ frustration with the MP’s populist approach was palpable.

Lillian Aber, the State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, had also visited the scene to assess the situation and determine the scale of the need came in handy because she is the one who helped facilitate the MP’s access to the scene, but his presence only exacerbated tensions.

The survivors’ rejection of the MP’s stunt suggests a growing awareness of and frustration with such tactics. They demand more substantive support and action from their leaders.

The incident is a stark reminder of the prevalence of populist politics in Uganda, where many politicians prioritize media coverage over meaningful engagement.

By the end of the day, eight people had been reported dead, and 14 rescued and taken to hospitals for medical attention. The tragedy highlighted the need for genuine support and action, rather than mere political posturing.

As the community begins to rebuild and recover, it remains to be seen whether politicians will learn from this incident and adopt a more sincere and effective approach to supporting their constituents.