As an American humorist and writer Sam Levenson once said, “Don’t watch the clock, do what it does, keep going”, Abed Nasser Mudiobole the MP-elect for Iganga Municipality constituency is using his victory as a source of inspiration to young people to always persevere and never tire.
Mudiobole pulled off a stunning upset in the political landscape of Iganga, upending the status quo and sending shockwaves through the NRM fraternity with his unexpected victory over the long-time incumbent Hon Peter Mugema popularly known as ‘Panadol’.
As the saying goes, ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’ and Mudiobole certainly got going to win the election for the hotly contested and highly coveted MP seat.
As can be recalled, Hon Mugema and his NRM group adopted a dismissive attitude towards Mudiobole who they described as a ‘perennial loser’ who was bound to nothing, only served to fuel Mudiobole’s determination to prove himself.
According to some analysts, the election result was a humbling experience for Hon Mugema, whose earlier boasts now seemed like a caricature of a politician out of touch with the people and reality on the ground.
“… some people thought I was a joke, they resorted to desperate tactics, hiring loose cannons and amateur politicians to spread malicious lies and personal attacks in a bid to demean and discredit me, but here I am the MP-elect…”, Abed Nasser Mudiobole beamed with joy in an exclusive interview.
He says it was a classic case of character assassination where instead of engaging in substantive campaigns, they used paid mouthpieces and armchair critics to smear and undermine his candidature.
Mudiobole, a man with a reputation built over years, hints that the reckless statements made against him will not go unanswered, but says that is a story for another day.
“…You do not blow a name that has taken me years to build just because some people have smartphones in their hands and the internet…,” he warns without divulging his intentions.
In a stunning rebuke to Mugema’s antics, the people of Iganga Municipality have spoken loud and clear, rejecting the politician who had lost his ‘salt’ and embracing the leadership of Mudiobole instead.
As the Holy Bible says, ‘you are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot… (Matthew 5:13, Mark 9:50 and Luke 14:34-35).
In a sense the electorate heeded the Biblical warning, dumping Hon Mugema to the political garbage and electing Mudiobole, a leader with a proven track record and the ‘salt’ of integrity, wisdom and vision.
Mudiobole who had on three election cycles equivalent to 15 years tried unsuccessfully to unseat Hon Peter Mugema popularly known as ‘Panadol’ finally made it in the January 15 polls to the shock of many.
He scorns at some opposition politicians who crossed from the opposition political parties to join NRM purely to seek favor and financial support arguing that all of them have lost miserably because the already-enlightened people of Uganda saw them as ‘traitors.
Although it is the right of every individual to choose a political party of one’s choice, Abed Nasser Mudiobole says it’s a risky business in Uganda today for anyone from the opposition to defect to NRM.
“…My fourth successful shot is already making headlines and the talk of the town and Busoga as a whole where many people especially the young ones are being inspired and motivated…”, he said.
Many have congratulated the new NUP-sponsored politician hoping that he joins a list of new vocal MPs expected to brighten and electrify the 12th Parliament likely to be dominated by the ruling NRM.
Mudiobole promises to represent the people of Iganga Municipality which he says have been living as an orphaned town because the outgoing lawmaker Peter Mugema was in his own world.
“…my top priority is to create a situation where the people have confidence in their leader like me who is going to make them proud because I am going to be active, loud and clear in parliament…”, Mudiobole assured.
The man who has been a practicing lawyer for close to 20 years says his legal profession is a real blessing because parliament is where laws are made and critical decisions like approprtion of budgets and approval of loans as well as the oversight role (being an opposition), among others are done.
He says while others will be struggling to learn or understand voluminous documents, his will be easy because lawyers are by training researchers.
Mudiobole says his legal background will serve him well in Parliament, particularly when dealing with complex technical documents. “As a lawyer, I have honed my skills in digesting vast amounts of information, so I’m not intimidated by voluminous documents,” he said.
According to the MP-elect, lawyers are trained to be thorough readers and researchers, enabling them to grasp issues of wide scope effectively. “…It’s about applying my skills to understand the needs of my constituents and make informed decisions…,” Mudiobole added.
“…My legal expertise will enable me to craft and support legislation that benefits my constituents, I will use my knowledge to hold the government accountable and ensure justice is served…”, he stressed.
His confidence stems from years of experience in handling intricate cases and researching legal precedents.
Mudiobole says his role as an MP are multifaceted, focusing on representing the people of his constituency in Parliament, contributing to law-making, and ensuring government accountability.
“…In my capacity as an MP, I am committed to representing the interests of my constituents, engaging in legislative processes, and overseeing government actions to ensure they serve the people,” Mudiobole said.
Key roles of an MP in Uganda include:
According to Parliament’s website, Members of Parliament (MPs) in Uganda hold four primary constitutional roles: legislation (debating and passing laws), representation (voicing constituent concerns), oversight (monitoring government funds and activities), and budget approval (authorizing expenditures and loans).
They also mobilize citizens for development, act as a bridge between the government and people, and participate in parliamentary committees.
Unlike his predecessor who always disappeared in Kampala and only resurfaces a year to another cycle of elections, Mudiobole emphasized the importance of staying connected to the people who elected him
In a heartwarming display of dedication and passion, Hon. Abed Nasser Mudiobole has revealed his plans to embark on a spiritual journey to Mecca this year.
The seasoned lawyer cum politician and avid football fan says he is set to fulfill one of the pillars of the Islamic faith, becoming a Hajji in the process before 2026 elapses as one way of returning thanks to God for the gift of life and the new assignment as an MP.
Mudiobole’s decision has been met with admiration from his fans and colleagues, who praise his commitment to his faith.
A Football Fan with a Difference.
While many football enthusiasts flock to support top-tier teams like Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, or Arsenal, Mudiobole proudly stands behind the bottom 10 Leeds United who were thrashed 4-0 by Arsenal which is threatening to run away with the trophy this season.
Despite the team’s current struggles in the Premier League, Mudiobole remains optimistic about their chances of success. “Leeds United has been a powerful team for decades,” he says, citing the team’s rich history and dedicated fan base. Mudiobole’s unwavering support is a testament to his loyalty and dedication to the team.
A Man of Faith and Football.
Mudiobole’s love for Leeds United is matched only by his devotion to his faith.
As a happily married man with two beautiful wives, including a fellow lawyer, Mudiobole credits his family for their unwavering support. “My wives are my rock, and I am grateful for their understanding and encouragement”.
When asked about balancing his political career and football passion, Mudiobole smiles, “Football is a source of joy and relaxation for me. It helps me unwind and stay focused on my work.”
When asked about his relationship with the government, particularly in instances where the President of the Republic of Uganda HE Yoweri Kaguta Museveni visits Iganga Municipality, Mudiobole clarified that his attendance would depend on the purpose of the visit.
“If the president is coming for government duties, I will be there to receive and welcome him as the area MP, however, if it is an NRM party engagement, I will have nothing to do with it”, he said but quickly added that he would always consult with his top party bosses at the party headquarters in Kavule, Kampala to determine the best course of action.
It is worth noting that the dynamics of NUP MPs’ interactions with the government are influenced by the party’s internal politics. Specifically, many NUP MPs are cautious about attending functions where President Yoweri Museveni is the guest of honor due to potential backlash from the party leadership, particularly Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine.
The party’s online supporters who refer to themselves as ‘foot soldiers’ have been vocal in criticizing MPs who appear to ‘legitimize’ President Museveni’s leadership often resorting to personal attacks and insults.
This has created a challenging environment for NUP MPs to navigate their relationships with the government while maintaining party loyalty.
