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Following his disappointing fourth-place finish in the just-concluded Kawempe North byelection, singer and contestant Sadat Mukiibi, also known as Kalifah Aganaga, did not hold back when addressing the role of veteran politicians in Uganda’s political landscape.
In an interview on Bukedde TV, Aganaga expressed his frustrations with leaders, including those in the opposition, accusing them of contributing to the country’s political stagnation.
He singled out Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, labelling her as part of the problem that Uganda youths continue to face.
Aganaga, who polled a mere 239 votes, was upset with Hon Nambooze who reportedly attacked him at different rallies in the lead-up to the election.
That woman has been my case. At every public rally she was attacking me, she couldn't stop mentioning my name
Such people keep telling us they are fighting against the dictator, but she has been in parliament for over 20 years. They say President Museveni’s government is bad but they never tell us when they will ever dislodge it.
Should the suffering youth continue waiting for you, while you drive the best cars, sleep in the biggest house and your kids go to the best schools?
She has been in parliament for over 20 years enjoying a government salary. Even when she fell sick, the government catered for her medical expenses abroad. Now, she wants to continue confusing us, the young people
Election Analysis: Low Voter Turnout and Security Forces' Impact
Reflecting on the election, Aganaga pointed to the abysmally low voter turnout as a key factor in his underwhelming performance.
With over 199,000 registered voters in the Kawempe North constituency, only 27,500 people cast their ballots.
The winner, Luyumbazi Nalukoola of the NUP, triumphed with just 17,000 votes, a stark contrast to the more than 40,000 votes received by the late Hon Ssegirinya in the 2021 election.
Aganaga blamed the low turnout on the intimidating presence of security forces, claiming that their heavy-handed tactics deterred voters.
“You bring in guns, mambas, JAT, teargas, and beat up polling agents—this scares off people. That’s why I cannot blame myself for not performing well,” Aganaga explained, suggesting that the youth’s voices were silenced by fear and intimidation.