Sheikh: ‘We Are Ready To Vote A Sheep Butambala MP, Than Self-Centered Kivumbi’

National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for Buganda region and Butambala MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi is facing a formidable challenge after a prominent Muslim cleric with a Muslim-dominated constituency, launched an anti-campaign against him, urging constituents to reject his bid for the fourth term.

The Sheikh, who has been traversing mosques in the constituency, including one in Kibibi town council, has been sharp in his criticism of the veteran politician who is large on speaking theory than actual working.

According to the Sheikh, Muwanga has not benefited the constituency or the community during his nearly 15 years in Parliament.

“If it were possible, in the name of Allah, even if it would be a Sheep standing against him [Muwanga Kivumbi] in Butambala, let us vote that Sheep well assured that it will work for us,” a tough-talking Sheikh declared during prayers last week.

The cleric also accused Muwanga of using his stay in Parliament to accumulate vast wealth, including petrol stations, hotels, and apartments, while the constituency he is meant to represent suffers.

“He [Muwanga] has sat on crucial committees, but all he does is use them to build petrol stations and fancy hotels. Isn’t it more beneficial if he builds them here to develop Butambala?” the Sheikh emphasized, “he fears to bring development here because he has done nothing for you. It is us the people of Butambala who have to tell you these facts, not anybody else.”

In a stinging rebuke, the Sheikh claimed that Muwanga does not even own a house in the constituency and sleeps at his mother’s home whenever he visits, literally meaning, the MP is not interested in having any attachment with his constituents.

“That MP has the authority to write to UMEME asking for electrifying every town council in Butambala, but it’s dark throughout even in Kibibi main town council,” sheik asked Muslims in his audience “does he even own a home in his constituency? No. When he comes in Butambala, he goes to his mother’s home for sleep, he goes back to his upscale apartment in Kampala, where he comfortably rests, as he frowns on his villagers who make him well-off yet they are exploited.”

The Sheikh’s anti-Muwanga campaign was not about to end as he expressed disgust that the MP’s performance, stating, “If he was a developmental leader with his constituents at heart, we would be having at least a healthy center IV lobbied by him, but he cannot because he is evil…”

Knowing that some among the audience could make reporting call to the MP, the Sheikh who accused Muwanga of being behind the deals to sell forests in Butambala, advised them not to labour because he was determined to spread his anti-Muwanga campaign to the last muslim in Butambala.

“Do not waste your time in making secret calls to him, no. Just tell him it’s me who has said these things. He even made a list of Imams whom he intends to pay Shs150,000 each so they can help him converse votes for him,” the Sheikh said.

“A whole Imam, how can you betray the Muslims because of Shs150,000? Look him in the face, and ask him, yes you have given Shs150, 000 what about the Muslims I lead? I wonder if you do not mind about such crucial issues!” the Sheikh wondered.

Retirement

Despite Muwanga perceiving his recent appointment as Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine’ deputy president, Buganda region as a master card in his bid to secure another term, the tough Sheikh sees this as an opportunity for the MP to focus on party work rather than representing Butambala in Parliament.

“We thank his party president Bobi Wine for appointing him [Muwanga] his deputy president in Buganda. Thank you, because he will have a job after we sit as people of Butambala to send him home, Inshallah.”

“You fear to tell him [Muwanga] the facts, and whenever he comes, you clap for him. Why would you clap for such a hard-hearted person who had been an MP for 15 years without any benefit to his community?” the Sheikh asked.

The Sheikh’s final words were clear: “Do not [be used] just shout Muslims again. You have gone to School, and this is no longer the old Butambala during the [Namirembe] Bitamazire generation…whoever feels unhappy with my words, come and inquire from me.”