BUGWERI. Veteran lawyer and legislator Abdul Katuntu who also doubles as Bugweri County MP finally crossed to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ending years of speculation that he simply hobnobs with the ruling party.
Katuntu ,60 was unveiled by NRM national chairperson and incumbent President Yoweri Museveni on Friday at State House Entebbe, where he was introduced to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus. To confirm his entry into NRM Katuntu on attended a rally in Bugweri which was organized by Speaker Anita Among . At the Saturday rally , Katuntu said:“Whoever believes in me as their captain, let us build a team to seek votes for President Museveni,” he said amid cheers from NRM supporters and leaders
Once a prominent member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Katuntu served as the party’s shadow attorney general and one of its chief strategists during its formative years.
However, after internal divisions weakened the FDC, Katuntu opted to run as an independent in 2016, maintaining influence across political lines.
In Parliament, Katuntu has chaired several powerful committees, including Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) and Rules, Privileges and Discipline, earning a reputation for legal acumen and political balance.
Mr Katuntu, with more than 20 years in Parliament, has a strong background in law and governance replaced the late Ali Kirunda Kivejinja.After the 2021 General Election Katuntu had indicated that he will not seek reelection ,but later changed his mind ,saying his electorate still needed him around . Five other aspirants have also expressed interest to unseat Mr Katuntu. The election in Bugweri District will likely be influenced by various factors, including the candidates’ popularity, party affiliations, and campaign promises.
During the Saturday rally Among said they incredibly need Katuntu in the NRM camp given his political influence in Bugweri and entire Busoga sub region .
We had a wonderful time in Bugweri sharing the message of @NRMOnline with the community. I want to express my gratitude to senior legislator Abdu Katuntu for joining us at the rally and for his encouraging words. I would also like to invite him to formally join @NRMOnline, as his extensive knowledge would be incredibly valuable to us.” She said on her X handle on Saturday
Mr Sadala Wandera, the Iganga Resident District Commissioner and a veteran soldier, one of those eying Katuntu seat . Mr Wandera claims that if Mr Katuntu hasn’t accomplished anything meaningful for Bugweri in the last 24 years as an MP, it’s unlikely that he will suddenly start delivering now.
Other contenders in the race include Mr Grace Kaziba (National Unity Platform), Mr Fredrick Makaire (NRM leaning ), Mr Daniel Ibaale (NRM), Mr Samuel Kakaire (NRM leaning ) and Mr Isma Kasango (Independent) Mr Kaziba wants to unseat Mr Katuntu, citing his lack of meaningful contributions to Bugweri Constituency.