The BUSOGA kingdom with its headquarters at Bugembe Town Council in Jinja City has asked subjects to reject people seeking elective political positions only for personal selfish interests instead of looking at the whole kingdom agenda.
The Second Deputy Prime Minister Alhajji Ahmed Noor Osman says gone are days when politicians would come with flowery words to get votes and end up using their positions to disorganize the people.
Saying in the past years the kingdom leaders have always watched and allowed politicians of all sorts, including self seekers to confuse the masses and get into offices, the story has now changed as Uganda gears towards the much anticipated 2026 general elections.
“…this time round things have changed and we(kingdom leaders)will be following with keen interests and guiding our people on who to give the mandate so that Busoga moves forward…”,Hajji Ahmed Noor Osman stated.
This was during a surprise birthday party thrown in honor of former Jinja West MP Hon Moses Grace Balyeku in a ceremony held at the reclusive Nile Anchor Palace a mid range Uganda safari tour facility situated in the swanky Wakoli Road in Jinja City.
Without mincing words, the wealthy cultural leader who is building the state of the art health club in the heart of the city along Lubas Road made it clear that the kingdom locally known as Obwakyabazinga bwa Busoga headed by the Kyabazinga HRH William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope Gabula IV will follow up every aspirant seeking position.
“…if we confirm that you have Busoga kingdom at heart and give its leadership all the due respect, then you will be assured of support from the people,otherwise there is no room for self seekers…”,Hajji Ahmed Noor Osman warned.
Speaking in Lusoga, Hajji Ahmed Noor Osman said Obwakyabazinga bwa Busoga is the unifying factor for all the Basoga and told Hon Moses Grace Balyeku who is planning a mega come back of maximum support if only he has a good agenda for the region.
It should be noted that Osman (as he is fondly known) has become one the kingpins in the region whose lobbying influence continues to grow every year.
In the kingdom, Osman is described as a big lobbyist who has attracted telecom giants MTN Uganda, Huawei Technologies (U) Company Ltd and other agencies which are now supporting a number of projects in Busoga.
He is also a close ally to notable politicians like the former Speaker of Parliament now First Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga,the former powerful NRM Secretary General Hon Justine Kasule Lumumba (now serving as Minister in charge General Duties Prime Minister’s office),the and Nathan Samson Igeme the MP Jinja City East constituency.
Analysts say the gesture is a clear indication that Hajji Ahmed Noor Osman has already mended fences with Hon Moses Grace Balyeku following the 2021 parliamentary elections when he openly rallied behind Balyeku’s political archrival Dr Timothy Lusala Batuwa.
On his part, Moses Grace Balyeku who was ushered into the venue with a brass band playing birthday melodies appreciated Hajji Ahmed Noor Osman for the gesture of sponsoring the party.
Balyeku, once nicknamed as ‘uncle money’ due to his generosity to the vulnerable people, announced that he was already on his political way back to once again recapture the constituency he represented from 2011-2021.
“…I was born and bred here (Jinja City)and so I cannot sit and watch when things, especially socio-economic services are not going well, yet the NRM government under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sunk in a lot…”,he said.
Many residents still have memories of Balyeku’s 10 year magnanimous period when he secured two minibuses (coasters) to transport people to different destinations during social ceremonies like burials or marriages.
He also lobbied for the rehabilitation and expansion of Mpumudde Health Centre IV, Kimaka Health Centre III and the construction of Mpumudde Market, plus support to various places of worship including churches and mosques, among others.
A number of motorcycle riders(bodaboda),youth and women groups , and market vendors among others who used to benefit from financial support now look forward to ensuring that their ‘babyface’MP bounces back.
Hon Moses Grace Balyeku lost to FDC’s Dr Timothy Lusala Batuwa who is also ready to secure another five year term in the 12 parliament.
In a veiled attack to his opponent, Balyeku says Jinja residents need a leader who understands their plight and their needs as opposed to some MPs who are merely after marketing themselves on TVs.
“….this time round it’s going to be a showdown campaign, and we shall win as NRM in Jinja City because people need to understand why Jinja was elevated to a city status and its requirements which the vision bearer needs to steer…” the visibly happy Balyeku stated.
Others who have also expressed interest include Jinja City Council Speaker Bernard Mbayo who is an FDC diehard leaned to the Nanjanakumbi group of Eng Patrick Amurat and Hon Nathan Nandala Mafabi the MP Budadiri West in Sironko district.
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