RICH GUEST LIST: Speaker Anita Among, Tycoons at Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa Thanksgiving

Ugandan Parliament Speaker Anita Among, her husband Moses Magogo, tycoons and several MPs are attending the thanksgiving ceremony of deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and his father Daudi Bangirana in Mitooma District, Western Uganda.

The tycoons present include Sudhir Ruparelia, Godfrey Kirumira and Hamis Kiggundu. Also present at the multi-billion St Karoli Lwanga Kigarama Catholic Parish in Bitereko, Ruhinda North, for the thanksgiving mass presided over by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha of Mbarara Archdiocese were heads of diplomatic missions.

Former prime ministers Ruhakana Rugunda, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, first deputy prime minister Rebecca Kadaga Alitwala and ministers are also at the ceremony. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to hold a ‘presidential rally’ at Rwakitandara Playground at 2pm, according to the program.

Tayebwa, who is also the Ruhinda North MP and former government chief whip, is a fast rising politician who has eclipsed the influence of powerful leaders, including President Museveni’s fellow bush war fighters that come from Western Uganda.

A former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) activist, Tayebwa has grown in power, influence, and wealth in recent years. His Ruhinda North constituents have seen the rising influence of their Member of Parliament reflected in a number of key projects he has lobbied for them, turning the constituency whose once remote subcounties like Kiyanga were remote and poor.

From electricity and water connections to contributions to churches, schools and health facilities as well as income generating projects, the youthful Tayebwa has turned around Ruhinda North, leaving its neighbors envious.

The launch of the multi-billion St Karoli Lwanga Kigarama Catholic Parish in Bitereko, Ruhinda North, and other key projects in the constituency come amidst protests by youths on the corruption in Parliament where Thomas Tayebwa is a key figure, and amidst calls on Speaker Anita Among to resign over corruption allegations.

The launch is also happening months after President Museveni launched key projects by Speaker Anita Among in Bukedea home district. During that launch, Museveni quizzed the speaker on the source of her money. (Read Story Here).

Some activists have also questioned the source of Thomas Tayebwa’s wealth. The deputy speaker recently came out to respond to criticism on his expensive watch, making it clear he would never apologize for being rich. (See Details Here).

You can read key interesting facts about Thomas Tayebwa Here.