By Our Reporter
As Carol Moseley Braun once said, “There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, just permanent interests.” That sentiment rang true on Palm Sunday at Lubaga Cathedral in Kampala, where Christians gathered not only for the traditional prayers but also for the 70th birthday celebration of His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
The Buganda Kingdom chose the cathedral as the venue for this landmark event, which drew a diverse crowd, including high-profile political figures from across the spectrum.
Among those in attendance were National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and his political rival, Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba—Member of Parliament for Nyendo-Mukungwe and the head of the newly formed Democratic Alliance (DA).
In a surprising twist, the seating arrangement placed the two on the same pew, and they were seen conversing multiple times throughout the mass. Their cordial interaction, albeit brief, has stirred varied reactions. While their political ideologies remain sharply different, many have pointed out that both leaders share a cultural allegiance to the Kabaka as proud sons of Buganda.
This marked the first face-to-face interaction between the two in over a year, following their dramatic fallout in March 2024. The split came after revelations that Mpuuga and three other parliamentary commissioners had controversially divided Shs1.7 billion among themselves as a “service award.” Mpuuga alone reportedly received Shs500 million, a move that NUP condemned as an act of corruption.
Mpuuga refused to apologize or attend disciplinary hearings, prompting the party to write to Speaker Anita Among to revoke his appointment as Parliamentary Commissioner. The Speaker rejected the request, and Bobi Wine went on to strip Mpuuga of his role as NUP Deputy President for Buganda.
Since then, tensions between the two have played out publicly, with Mpuuga asserting he was instrumental in Bobi Wine’s political rise, while Bobi Wine has accused Mpuuga of betraying the struggle by indulging in corrupt practices.
In response, Bobi Wine appointed Butambala County MP Muhammed Muwanga Kivumbi—also chair of the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus—as Mpuuga’s replacement. Mpuuga, undeterred, launched his own political outfit, the Democratic Alliance (DA), alongside political allies Abed Bwanika, Lubega Mukaaku, and Mike Mabiike.
Earlier this year, the rivalry reached a dramatic peak during the burial of former Kawempe North MP Muhammed Ssegirinya in Kadugala, within Mpuuga’s constituency. Mpuuga attempted to take control of the funeral arrangements, setting up a parallel event just meters from the burial grounds. Tensions flared when he tried to seize the body, but Bobi Wine’s group stood firm, refusing to yield.
Meanwhile, Mpuuga and his new party are currently advocating for electoral reforms. However, the timing has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning why he didn’t pursue these changes during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition. Others doubt the government’s willingness to enact meaningful reform.
Whether the unexpected encounter at Lubaga signals a thawing of relations or was merely a symbolic gesture in honor of the Kabaka remains to be seen. But for now, it serves as a reminder that in politics, interests often transcend enmity.
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