TAKEAWAYS

• Engineer Stephen Kaweesa has defected from NUP to the NRM ahead of the upcoming LC1 elections in Katooke Village, Nansana.
• He claims he spent billions supporting NUP, including giving Shs600 million to party president Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).
• Kaweesa says the NRM has welcomed him warmly and pledged to support his bid to improve services in Katooke.

Controversial politician Engineer Stephen Kaweesa has officially announced his defection from the National Unity Platform (NUP) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), saying he was left deeply disappointed after years of financial and personal sacrifice for the opposition party.

Speaking during a press conference and procession through Katooke Village in Nansana, Kaweesa revealed that he will contest for the LC1 chairperson position on the NRM ticket after receiving the party’s flag bearer card.

He alleged that he invested billions of shillings to support NUP activities, including mobilization and fundraising, and even personally handed over Shs600 million to NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. In return he was expecting political endorsement by the party which never came.

“I sacrificed almost everything I had for NUP, but in the end, I was discarded like a used tissue,” Kaweesa said.

According to Kaweesa, the financial burden of supporting the party forced him to take out huge loans, leaving several of his properties, including land and buildings in Nansana, in the hands of money lenders.

He contrasted his experience in NUP with the reception he has received from the NRM, saying the ruling party welcomed him and entrusted him with its flag for the upcoming LC1 elections.

“The NRM has shown me love and confidence. I am ready to serve the people of Katooke diligently and deliver the leadership they deserve,” he said.

Kaweesa expressed confidence that residents of Katooke Village would rally behind his candidature, pledging to improve community welfare by providing essential amenities for residents, including tents, public address systems, cups and other items for community functions.