In a strongly-worded statement endorsed by Mugwisa Mwamadi, the 3rd Prime Minister of the Bugweri Chiefdom, 30 cultural leaders representing various chiefdoms within the greater Busoga Kingdom have expressed their regret and issued an apology to Speaker Among for the inappropriate and disrespectful comments made by Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the Deputy Spokesperson of NUP, during the recent burial ceremony of counsel Ramathan Waiswa, the brother of Hon Abdu Katuntu, MP for Bugweri County.
“We, the ministers, abamagombolola (sub-county chiefs in cultural), and clan leaders of Bugweri Chiefdom, offer our sincere apologies for the statements made by Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro during the burial of counsel Waiswa Ramathan. We vehemently condemn his remarks, as Obwa Menyha, we uphold respect and inclusivity towards all leaders regardless of their ethnicity, gender, age, among other factors,” the statement asserts.
During the burial service held in Butende village, Buyanga sub-county, Bugweri District, Mufumbiro, in an unexpected turn, diverted from the solemnity of the occasion by engaging in divisive political rhetoric and directing disparaging remarks towards Speaker Among. Instead of extending condolences to the grieving family, Mufumbiro delved into baseless political assertions, suggesting that the people of Busoga preferred a different Speaker, without substantiating his claims.
The attendees, including cultural, religious, and political figures from various affiliations, were taken aback and appalled by Mufumbiro’s conduct, especially in the presence of Speaker Among, who was attending as the chief mourner.
In their communication, the clan leaders express their desire to personally meet with Speaker Among to offer their apology.
“We, as Obwa Menyha, express our gratitude to you [Speaker Among] for honouring the Abagweri, and we acknowledge your contribution of 100,000,000 UGX towards the construction of the Bugweri Muslim district headquarters. As ministers, abamagombolola, and clan leaders, we seek an appointment to meet with you and convey our apology in person as a delegation from Obwa Menhya wa Bugweri, comprising over 30 individuals, including ministers,” the letter states.
Despite Mufumbiro’s inflammatory remarks, Speaker Among exhibited political maturity by refraining from engaging in a verbal altercation and emphasising the importance of respecting the grieving family.
“We are a unified people; let us set aside political matters. As honourable politicians, we understand where politics should be conducted, and we shall do so without intimidation,” Among remarked, before pledging 100 million UGX towards the construction of the Bugweri Muslim community’s headquarters.
However, Hon Mathias Mpuuga, the former Leader of Opposition and current Commissioner of Parliament expressed his disapproval of Mufumbiro’s behaviour, asserting that NUP is built on principles of civility and mature leadership.
“My deputy spokesperson, Waiswa, we conduct ourselves with dignity and handle serious matters appropriately. We do not bring politics into solemn gatherings. Leadership demands seriousness, not jesting,” Mpuuga remarked, garnering applause from the audience.
Even Abdu Katuntu voiced his disappointment in Mufumbiro, urging him to refrain from politicizing his brother’s funeral.
“I handed you the microphone to pay tribute to your brother, whom you shared upbringing and education with, but you have dishonoured him. Let us honour the deceased and his family; political discourse has no place at this sombre event,” Katuntu admonished.
Mufumbiro’s remarks left many mourners, including some NUP elders, feeling ashamed, with several individuals walking out in protest.
“It’s disheartening that someone travelled from Kampala to inject politics into this gathering. We should be offering solace to counsel Waiswa’s family, not burdening them with political disputes. This incident underscores the need for a more dignified political discourse in our country,” remarked an anonymous NUP councillor.
In contrast, another Muslim mourner commended Speaker Among for her proactive approach to community issues.
“While others were engaged in lamentation, the Speaker offered solutions to our concerns. She pledged employment for the widow of our brother and generously donated towards the construction of the Muslim headquarters. This is a significant gesture,” the mourner remarked.
