LUBAGA .Like they usually say that Kabaka is a symbol of unity, indeed his birthday fete brought together two political arch-rivals Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the President of National Unity Platform(NUP) and his former vice President for Buganda Region Mathias Mpuuga .
The duo found themselves sharing the same seat inside Lubaga Cathedral Sunday during a special Mass organised to mark Kabaka’s 70th Birth Day. Cameras captured the two politicians momentary whispering to each other as if they have buried their deep -seated political grudges .
Upon entering the church, Kyagulanyi was seen shaking hands with Mpuuga to amusement of hundreds of guests from all walks of life .
The bad blood between Kyagulanyi and Mpuuga stems from the controversial Shs500m “service award” the latter received while still serving as Leader of Opposition in Parliament.
In late 2023 Mr Kyagulanyi went ahead and suspended Mr Mpuuga as NUP vice president, a day after Buganda Kingdom Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga had suggested a possible mediated solution to the raging dispute inside NUP, where Mpuuga is accused of corruption. This forced him to break ranks with NUP and formed Democratic Alliance , a political platform where he serves as the national coordinator .
Speaking at Lubaga , Mayiga said he was impressed by Kagulanyi’s gesture and encouraged the two to bury their hatchets and continue to talk as people from the same family (Buganda) .
“ This is a historical day and it is evident that Kabaka brings us together .I had taken a long time without seeing my brother in- law Robert Kyagulanyi and my uncle Mathias Mpuuga seated together ,they have been chatting ever since they took their seats and their conversation should continue endlessly ,” he said drawing a thunderous applause from guests .
In Masaka where Mpuuga represents Nyendo-Mukungwe Constituency in Parliament , he is also at loggers with a section of NUP leaders in the area led by Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja over running party activities under the ‘Kunga Uganda’ mobilisation campaign which aims at drumming up support ahead of next year General Elections .
Mpuuga’s group claims the campaign targets seasoned politicians like him at the advantage of newcomers jostling to join Parliament in the next general election.
Although several opinion leaders including religious and cultural leaders in the region have advised the warring parties to amicably settle their grievances, but this has not bore fruits yet . It remains to be seen whether the meeting of the two politicians in church will form the ground to start further talks to completely bury hatches as members of the Opposition .