• Walukagga was disqualified from the Busiro East MP race over academic requirements
  • He backed Emmanuel Matovu Magoola using his campaign structures and logistics
  • The singer says Magoola compensated him, but declined to reveal the amount

Kadongo Kamu singer Mathias Walukagga has stirred public debate after revealing details of a private agreement he made with Busiro East Member of Parliament-elect Emmanuel Matovu Magoola during the recently concluded elections.

Walukagga had initially been tipped to carry the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag for the Busiro East parliamentary seat, which has been occupied by Hon. Medard Sseggona. After both Sseggona and Magoola were reportedly denied party clearance at an earlier stage, Walukaga appeared well-positioned to take up the race.

However, his political ambitions were cut short when the Electoral Commission disqualified him on grounds that he did not meet the required academic qualifications. Following his disqualification, Walukagga openly threw his support behind Magoola, backing him both financially and structurally.

Indeed, that support paid off, as Magoola went on to win the Busiro East parliamentary seat.

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Speaking in an interview with Spark TV, Walukagga revealed that by the time Magoola joined the race, he had already invested heavily in campaign structures, logistics, and mobilisation across the constituency.

 “By the time Magoola came in, I had already invested a lot of money, time, and structures. We sat down and agreed that he would use everything I had prepared, including vote protection. In return, he agreed to compensate me for what I had already invested,” Walukagga said.

The singer, however, declined to disclose the amount of money agreed upon, insisting that it was a private matter between him and the MP-elect.

“The figures are between the two of us. What matters is that we had an understanding, and he honoured it,” he added.

Walukagga’s revelation has reignited public criticism of Parliament, which for years has been accused by sections of the public of being treated as a financial investment rather than a public service platform. Although lawmakers have consistently dismissed such claims, critics argue that many politicians, across both opposition and ruling parties, view parliamentary seats as business opportunities.

Walukagga further disclosed that even outside elections, political aspirants frequently pay him substantial sums for campaign performances.

According to the singer, he charges between Shs4 million and Shs5 million when performing for parliamentary aspirants, a statement that has further fueled debate about the role of money in Ugandan politics.