Sheema Municipality legislator Dickson Kateshumbwa alias KATESH has sent shockwaves through the political landscape after shunning Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s highly anticipated mobilization rally held in his backyard over the weekend.
Dubbed MK Movement Inter Sub Region Team Building Activities, the political rally was attended by nearly all staunch NRM leaders in the district and other representatives of Gen Muhoozi from Kampala and other regions.
Muhoozi was represented by Minister of Agriculture Frank Tumwebaze who officiated a number of activities including sports gala, medical camp, meeting top leaders and a mega music concert in the night before addressing another political rally in Bwizibwera.
As a lawmaker on the NRM ticket, Katesh was expected to be part of the leadership organizing the function but surprised many with a no show.
His absence, seen as a clear act of defiance, has ignited a political firestorm and raised questions about the relationship between him and the UPDF General who many address as the next President of Uganda.
Political pundits in the region say Kateshumbwa who defeated his opponent Elioda Tumwesigye in 2021 elections with a huge margin, is gradually losing support as electorate is waking up from slumber of the empty promises he made.
“Elioda had clearly done a lot for the constituency. But Katesh emerged from nowhere with some money and bought his way into parliament after causing excitement. But the people have now woken up. Elioda is slowly and steadily regaining his support and soon he will consolidate his position. Katesh may not return in 2026,” said a political observer who has closely been following the politics in the district.
This website understands that Katesh’s deliberate absence from MK’s rally last Saturday stems from his poor relations with Engineer Raymond Kamugisha, the director of presidential and industrial hubs in Uganda, who played a pivotal role in facilitating the function.
“Kamugisha is Elioda’s friend which automatically makes him Katesh’s enemy and considering he was vocal and played a central role in mobilizing and ensuring the function flourishes, there is no way Katesh would step foot,” another political analyst said.
Hon Kateshumbwa could not be reached for a comment as his known mobile number wouldn’t go through.
