President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni last week officially welcomed Abdu Katuntu, the Member of Parliament for Bugweri, into the National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary caucus. This announcement came during a meeting at State House Entebbe on Friday, where NRM MPs convened to discuss the rationalization of government agencies.
Museveni’s endorsement of Katuntu was notable for its dramatic reversal from the past. In 2005, Museveni had famously disparaged Katuntu as a “poisonous mushroom” and advised the people of Bugweri to avoid him. At the time, Katuntu was a prominent opposition figure and a fierce critic of Museveni’s administration. Now, Museveni has acknowledged Katuntu’s shift in allegiance, noting that he has “seen the light” and is joining the NRM fold.
The following day, Lydia Wanyoto, chairperson of the NRM Women’s League, publicly welcomed Katuntu and Bardege-Layibi Division MP Martin Ojara Mapenduzi into the NRM caucus on Capital Radio’s “Capital Gang.” Wanyoto expressed appreciation for their contributions and efforts, reinforcing the party’s acceptance of the new members.
Rumors suggest a potential mini-ministerial reshuffle could be on the horizon, with Katuntu possibly being appointed to a ministerial position. Currently, Katuntu serves as the chairperson of the Rules, Privileges and Discipline Committee in Parliament and represents Uganda in the Pan African Parliament.
Katuntu’s political journey has been tumultuous. In the 2001 general elections, he faced a contentious battle for the Bugweri seat against Ali Kirunda Kivejinja. After a violent election that led to a court nullification of Kivejinja’s victory, Katuntu won the subsequent by-election. His victory drew harsh criticism from Museveni, who labeled him a “poisonous mushroom,” accusing him of obstructing government programs.
Katuntu’s political career saw him join the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in 2005, where he aligned with Gen. Mugisha Muntu’s faction and later supported Muntu’s formation of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). Despite initially promising to join ANT, Katuntu ran as an independent candidate in the 2021 elections, signaling a growing alignment with the NRM.
His decision to run as an independent was seen by many as a strategic move, considering his previous alignment with the NRM and his public statements indicating support for Museveni. There were speculations that Katuntu sought high-profile positions such as Attorney General or a ministerial role, though these positions did not materialize. Sources suggest that Katuntu had hoped to be appointed Chief Justice, a position that eventually went to Alfonse Owiny-Dollo.
Katuntu’s political fortunes were further complicated by the deaths of key figures from the Acholi sub-region, which led to new appointments that impacted his aspirations. Museveni’s subsequent appointment of Norbert Mao, a long-time politician from Acholi, added to Katuntu’s frustrations.
Now officially part of the NRM caucus, Katuntu’s future role in the party and potential ministerial position remain subjects of speculation. His shift from a vocal critic to a key player in Museveni’s NRM underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Uganda’s political landscape.
Martin Ojara Mapenduzi’s entry into the NRM also reflects the broader political realignments in northern Uganda. Known for his role in removing Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake from his position, Mapenduzi’s alignment with NRM illustrates Museveni’s ongoing efforts to consolidate political support in the region.
As Uganda’s political scene continues to evolve, Katuntu’s transformation from a “poisonous mushroom” to an NRM member highlights the shifting allegiances and strategic maneuvering that characterize the nation’s politics.
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