By Najib Mulema
Kawempe South Member of Parliament Mubarak Sserunga Munyagwa was on Friday appointed as chairperson for parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) by Patrick Amuriat, the Forum for Democratic Change president.
He replaced Bugweri County MP Abdu Katuntu.
Munyagwa’s appointment sparked mixed reactions among Ugandans whereby critics said that making him COSASE boss was the biggest joke of the century by the main opposition party whereas some sympathizers disclosed that the legislator should be given chance as he may turn out to be better than his predecessor.
He studied from Kitagwenda High School for his O’ Level, Nakasero Secondary for his A’ Level and Law Development Centre where he attained a Diploma in Law.
Known for his comic character, Munyagwa is not new to the political scene. Before becoming MP, he was a mayor for Kawempe from 2011 to 2016.
During mayoral campaigns in 2010, Munyagwa was kidnapped but later found along Entebbe Road. After the incident, he garnered public sympathy thus winning the election by a landslide.
While a mayor, Munyagwa was on several occasions arrested by police for staging protests.
One time in 2012, he was arrested after his foiled protest against the rampant killings of Muslim clerics.
In 2014, Munyagwa was condemned by Sheikh Nuhu Muzaata for carrying out anti Islam duas (prayers) he had held in the bush with a group of politicians to extol for President Yoweri Museveni’s downfall.
In 2017, the legislator was remanded to a civil prison after failing to pay shs100 million he owed a one John Baptist Maali as a result of botched land transaction.
He was later rescued by his tight friend Dr. Kizza Besigye who coughed part of the money which was demanded for his release.
During the FDC presidential race last year, candidate Munyagwa stepped down to pave way for Patrick Amuriat who is now the party president after defeating Mugisha Muntu.
His campaign manager and aide, Sulutan Nkobe, said: “We sat as a committee and saw that Mr Amuriat is more senior and that is why we have chosen to withdraw.”
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