Mawanda : Political allies abandoned me during incarceration

The Director of Mobilisation for the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and Igara East MP, Michael Mawanda has revealed that his time in prison was an eye-opener, exposing who his true friends are.

Mawanda made these remarks as supporters gathered at the PLU headquarters in Naguru to welcome him following his release on bail.

Among those present was David Kabanda, the Secretary General of PLU.

Reflecting on his time in detention, Mawanda recounted the personal challenges he faced, particularly how many of his supposed allies, including fellow Members of Parliament, abandoned him.

"When I faced challenges, people judged me. But I thank those who stood by me during my imprisonment," Mawanda said.

He specifically praised General Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his unwavering support.

"We shall never forget the harsh words of our enemies, but also the silence of our friends. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is not among those who abandoned me,"he stated.

Mawanda highlighted the loyalty of David Kabanda, who frequently visited him during his imprisonment.

"All my friends, especially MPs, abandoned me. But now I know who my true friends are. Apart from Hon. David Kabanda, who stood by me, I was left alone," Mawanda said, emphasising how Kabanda’s visits every three days were a lifeline during his incarceration.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Mawanda declared that he is no longer intimidated by the threat of prison, having already endured it.

"No one can now threaten me with prison because I have been there," he stated, underscoring his resolve to continue his political mission within the PLU.

He assured the audience that their support for General Muhoozi was well-placed, describing him as a leader who stands by his friends and followers, regardless of their status or challenges.

He urged the public to rally behind General Muhoozi, whom he described as the right leader to guide Uganda through a peaceful and orderly transition.

"Come 2026, I request you to support General Muhoozi Kainerugaba," Mawanda said.

Mawanda called for aggressive mobilization efforts, promising to traverse the country to garner support for the General.

He likened the PLU to a "volcano" poised to erupt, signaling the organization’s readiness to take decisive action in the political arena.

David Kabanda, the General Secretary of PLU, rejected allegations that General Muhoozi Kainerugaba was involved in Mawanda's arrest.

Kabanda announced plans to visit Igara, where Mawanda represents in Bushenyi District, emphasizing their determination to continue his political efforts despite the challenges he has faced.

Kabanda criticized those spreading misinformation about General Muhoozi's role in Mawanda's arrest, labeling the claims as baseless.

"Shame on those enemies who are fighting Mawanda" Kabanda said, adding that he is out of prison and ready to resume his work.

He also condemned what he described as "selective prosecution," calling for fairness and transparency in the judicial process.

Kabanda made it clear that the PLU would not be deterred by those opposing General Muhoozi, signaling the party's commitment to their cause as they prepare for the 2026 elections.

Mawanda was recently released on bail after appearing before the High Court in Kampala.

He, along with Paul Akamba and Counsel Julius Kirya, were granted bail set at Shs35 million each, with their sureties required to post Shs50 million non-cash alongside other conditions.

Mawanda was arrested in June on charges of corruption linked to the financial mismanagement of war loss compensation funds allocated to cooperatives.