Bukoto South MP Twaha Kagabo’s recent decision has prompted a divisive reaction among lawmakers from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Uganda. Following his meeting with President Museveni, opinions within the NRM have diverged, with some welcoming the move while others express concerns about its implications for democracy in the country.
Kagabo, who maintains a close relationship with First Son Muhoozi Kainerugaba and is affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP), was among the NRM legislators who participated in the party’s parliamentary caucus at State House, Entebbe, last week. In response to criticisms regarding his political allegiance, Kagabo emphasized the need for prayer and discernment, urging Ugandans to distinguish between his meeting with the President and partisan politics.
He defended his interaction with President Museveni as a privilege afforded to any MP or politician, cautioning against interpreting it as a defection from the opposition to the NRM. However, Kagabo’s stance was met with a mix of reactions from fellow NRM MPs. Dokolo South MP Felix Okot Ogong cautioned against the trend of opposition MPs crossing over to the NRM, arguing that such actions undermine Uganda’s multiparty democracy objectives.
Ogong stressed the importance of a robust opposition in a democratic system, emphasizing its role in providing alternative perspectives and constructive criticism to the government. Arua Central MP Jackson Atima echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Kagabo’s potential shift to the NRM could be perceived as indicative of NUP’s declining popularity.
In summary, Kagabo’s decision has sparked debate within the NRM regarding its implications for Uganda’s democratic landscape. While some view it as a legitimate political maneuver, others express concerns about its potential ramifications on the country’s multiparty system and the role of the opposition.
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