Constituents in Igara East started fasting until their MP’s release from jail. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, took to Twitter by storm, ranting about the imprisonment of his friend MP Michael Mawanda Maranga.
“Michael Mawanda is a political prisoner. Some politically bankrupt individuals in the NRM imprisoned him for the ‘great crime’ of endorsing Muhoozi Kainerugaba in Bushenyi.”
“That’s his only offence. Supporting me. Free Mawanda,” said Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
“Mzee, you arrested my friend, Michael Mawanda, and you are comfortable taking pictures with the biggest thief in Uganda?” Muhoozi Kainerugaba added.
Also, a section of supporters of Igara East MP Michael Mawanda Malanga have embarked on weekly fasting and constant prayers, seeking divine mercy for his release from prison.
They also appealed to President Museveni to fast-track Mawanda’s bail to allow him to face his corruption charges when out of prison.
Mawanda faced corruption charges a week ago, allegedly illegally benefiting from a war loss compensation fund in cooperative societies. The court sent him to prison for a UGX 160 billion scam.
Mawanda’s constituency has remained calm since his arrest, despite dissenting voices from some of his voters and those against corruption in the district who supported his arrest.
The situation has since turned normal, according to Mawanda’s political assistant, Joshua Asingwire.
A group of Mawanda’s supporters claim that their MP has unfinished projects in the constituency.
They believe their fasting and prayers will also soften President Museveni’s heart, since the crackdown started with his avowal at the State of the Nation Address last month.
However, the same voters admitted that they don’t condone corruption because it jeopardises service delivery.
The embattled MPs on corruption charges will again appear before court in July for a hearing of their court bail applications.
