Dr Twaha Kagabo Says That He Will Be Exploring Options With Other Political Parties

Dr. Twaha Kagabo, the current Member of Parliament representing Bukoto South, has recently made a significant announcement regarding his political future. He declared that he will not seek re-election under the banner of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the upcoming 2026 elections.

In an exclusive interview with NBS, the outspoken lawmaker revealed his intention to contest in the elections but expressed uncertainty about which political party he will align with for his campaign.

“I am considering various options with other political parties to find a platform that aligns with my principles. My decision to not extend my term with NUP is aimed at pursuing a different political path,” he stated.

Kagabo has been vocal in his criticism of NUP’s political agenda and strategies, indicating his dissatisfaction with the party’s approach. He compared their tactics to “friendly matches” in football and cast doubt on their ability to compete effectively in the political arena.

Despite initially being elected to Parliament on a NUP ticket, Kagabo has consistently voiced his dissent with certain party ideologies. He has also demonstrated ties to the MK movement and has been acknowledged as a supporter of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

In a noteworthy incident in 2022, Kagabo made headlines when he delivered a sum of Shs 40 million to the office of the former Leader of the Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga. He claimed that the funds were sourced from the residence of the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, in Nakasero, for an unspecified purpose.

Kagabo attributed his actions to a directive from Robert Kyagulanyi, the president of NUP, stating that party MPs who received such funds were instructed to return them. However, he later issued an apology to the Speaker, acknowledging that his actions had unintentionally tarnished the image of Parliament by returning the alleged bribe.

Prior to the Shs 40 million controversy, Kagabo had been a relatively low-profile backbencher in the House. However, the incident thrust him into the spotlight. He further distinguished himself as the sole NUP legislator to defy the Shadow Cabinet’s resolution by attending a parliamentary sitting at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where the President addressed the House in March of that year.

In explaining his decision, Kagabo emphasized his belief that the opposition had become unreliable and asserted that his primary focus was on representing the people of Bukoto South, indicating a departure from strict party allegiance.

Kagabo’s political trajectory has sparked discussions and contemplations on the complex dynamics within NUP and the wider political landscape in Uganda. His decision to chart a new course in his political journey underscores the fluidity and evolution of political affiliations in the country.

The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) emerged as a significant political entity in Uganda’s complex and turbulent history, representing a blend of nationalist fervor, military influence, and political maneuvering. The genesis of the PLU can be traced back to the post-independence era when Uganda, like many African nations, was grappling with the challenges of nation-building and governance. The political landscape was characterized by shifting alliances, ethnic tensions, and power struggles among various factions vying for control.

The seeds of the PLU were sown during the early years of President Yoweri Museveni’s rule, following the overthrow of Milton Obote’s government in 1986. Museveni, a former guerrilla leader who had fought his way to power, sought to consolidate his authority and implement his vision of a new Uganda based on principles of democracy, stability, and economic development. In this context, the PLU emerged as a vehicle for promoting Museveni’s agenda and advancing the interests of his government.

One of the key architects of the PLU was General Salim Saleh, Museveni’s younger brother and a prominent figure in the Ugandan military establishment. Saleh played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s ideology, structure, and objectives, drawing on his military experience and political acumen to navigate Uganda’s complex political landscape. Under Saleh’s leadership, the PLU positioned itself as a staunch defender of Museveni’s government and a champion of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

The PLU quickly established itself as a formidable political force, leveraging its close ties to the military and its extensive grassroots network to mobilize support for Museveni’s government. The organization’s members, known as “patriots,” were drawn from diverse backgrounds and included former guerrilla fighters, civil servants, business leaders, and community activists. Through a combination of persuasion, coercion, and patronage, the PLU sought to expand its influence and consolidate its control over key sectors of Ugandan society.

One of the defining features of the PLU was its emphasis on nationalism and patriotism, which were used to justify its actions and policies. The organization portrayed itself as a vanguard of Ugandan identity and sovereignty, advocating for policies that prioritized the interests of the nation over those of foreign powers or domestic elites. This nationalist rhetoric resonated with many Ugandans who had grown disillusioned with the corruption and incompetence of previous governments, and it helped to galvanize support for Museveni’s rule.

However, despite its professed commitment to democracy and good governance, the PLU was also accused of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. Critics alleged that the organization was used as a tool of repression to silence dissent and intimidate political opponents, with reports of arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and other violations of civil liberties. These allegations tarnished the PLU’s reputation and raised concerns about its commitment to democratic principles.

Nevertheless, the PLU remained a dominant force in Ugandan politics throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, playing a key role in shaping the country’s political landscape and influencing government policy. Under Museveni’s leadership, Uganda experienced a period of relative stability and economic growth, and the PLU was widely credited with contributing to these achievements. However, as Museveni’s rule entered its fourth decade, questions began to emerge about the PLU’s continued relevance and its ability to adapt to changing political realities.

In recent years, the PLU has faced growing challenges from opposition parties, civil society groups, and disaffected segments of the population. Calls for political reform, accountability, and transparency have intensified, putting pressure on Museveni’s government and its allies to address longstanding grievances and address the country’s socio-economic challenges. In response, the PLU has sought to rebrand itself as a progressive force for change, advocating for reforms that promote inclusive development, social justice, and human rights.

Despite these efforts, the PLU remains a controversial and polarizing figure in Ugandan politics, with its critics accusing it of perpetuating the status quo and defending the interests of the ruling elite. As Uganda approaches the next phase of its political evolution, the role of the PLU and its relationship with Museveni’s government will continue to be a subject of debate and contention. Whether the organization can adapt to the changing dynamics of Ugandan society and retain its influence in the years to come remains to be seen.