Opinion By: Mabusi, PLU Chairperson, Busia District.
Media propaganda now dominates the political space, moving through radio stations, social media platforms, and whispered conversations in trading centres.
Every narrative is carefully shaped to influence perception rather than reflect truth. It is appointment time, and the political atmosphere is tense.
Leaders are repositioning themselves, polishing their images, and competing silently for the attention of the appointing authority.
As Harold Lasswell writes in Propaganda Technique in the World War, “Propaganda is the management of collective attitudes by the manipulation of significant symbols.” In such a season, perception often becomes louder than truth.
In this environment, Hon. Mulimba emerges as a clear example of calculated political repositioning.
He uses media visibility, psychological framing, and carefully timed messages to present himself as reformed and indispensable. Yet his actions reveal a pattern of survival politics rather than principled leadership.
During the early mobilization for PLU and Gen. MK, he makes the work difficult undermining coordination, spreading doubt, and frustrating structures. But when he realizes momentum is shifting away from him, he quietly steps back and seeks political shelter through Hon. Balam, hoping for favour and protection.
As Edward Bernays writes in Propaganda, “The conscious manipulation of organized habits and opinions is an important element in democratic society.”
Hon. Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo stands in sharp contrast to this pattern. She represents unity, discipline, and structured mobilization in Busia.
Through her leadership, coordination for President Museveni strengthens, bringing together different political groups under a shared purpose.
Unlike earlier fragmented political cycles where division weakened collective strength, her approach emphasizes cohesion, trust-building, and grassroots organization.
In previous electoral cycles, Busia reflects mixed alignment due to divided mobilization structures, but under unified leadership efforts, support for the ruling party becomes more coordinated and stable.
As an African proverb says, “When the roots are strong, the tree does not fear the wind.” Her leadership reflects stability built on unity rather than noise.
Yet questions continue to rise in political conversations as some actors shift positions rapidly during appointment time. Sudden transformations raise concern about consistency, motive, and authenticity.
This is why one question quietly circulates among observers: When did he become a corruption advocate and when did he become a Muhoozi-ist? As Hannah Arendt writes in The Origins of Totalitarianism, “The ideal subject of manipulation is one who can no longer distinguish fact from fiction.” In such a climate, truth becomes contested, and political identity becomes flexible.
Despite the noise, NRM political survivors Spoiler Roll, Evy, and others remain grounded in principle. They understand the difference between service and survival politics.
They refuse to engage in propaganda that destroys others for advantage. As an African proverb reminds us, “A bird does not fly on one wing.” Leadership must balance ambition with integrity, not manipulation with image-building.
Politicians in this season of appointments and repositioning, i argue you to remain firm. We do not rise by destroying others, we do not seek favour through propaganda, and we do not confuse visibility with leadership.
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