Burial Turns Into Political Boxing Ring As Ministers Kadaga And Babalanda Clash Over M7 Condolence Message

What was supposed to be a peaceful farewell to former Iganga Woman MP Olivia Kabaale Kwagala nearly turned into a political contest over who deserved the microphone, after two senior government ministers reportedly disagreed over who should read President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s condolence message.

The uncomfortable incident involved First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga and Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda during the burial ceremony in Busoga.

Instead of allowing the occasion to remain entirely focused on remembering the deceased legislator, attention shifted to an unexpected disagreement between the two powerful women over who had the responsibility of delivering the President’s message.

Apparently, even a condolence message from State House was not enough to guarantee a smooth handover of the microphone.

The disagreement has attracted attention because it comes against the background of reported political tensions between Kadaga and Babalanda, whose relationship has been strained by competing political accusations and disagreements within Busoga politics.

Kadaga, a veteran politician and former Speaker of Parliament, remains one of the most influential political figures in the sub-region. Her long political career and influence in Busoga have made her a central figure in the region’s political calculations.

Babalanda, who serves as Minister for the Presidency, is also an influential figure in government and has maintained a visible political presence in the region.

Their reported disagreement at the burial therefore carried political significance beyond the question of who would read a prepared statement.

The incident also illustrates how political rivalries can sometimes find their way into even the most solemn public occasions, where the attention should ordinarily remain on the bereaved family and the life of the deceased.

For mourners who had gathered to pay their last respects to Kwagala, the disagreement provided an unexpected side show.

In a rather ironic twist, a message intended to communicate presidential condolences became the centre of attention, with the two ministers reportedly disagreeing over who would deliver it.

While the full circumstances surrounding the disagreement remain unclear, the incident has added another chapter to the political tensions surrounding influential leaders in Busoga.

For now, the biggest question is whether the two ministers will eventually bury their political differences, or whether the microphone at the next public function will become another battlefield.