The Speaker of the Peoples Front for Freedom (PFF), Proscovia Salaam Musumba, has urged the public to distinguish between political rallies and development events, defending her presence at the opening of the Dei Biopharma Starch Factory in Busambu, Namasagali, Kamuli District by President Museveni on November 20.
‘I am happy to tell you that I attended the Dei Biopharma opening at the invitation of Dr Magoola. Why do people prefer going to burials instead of development functions? People can’t even tell the difference, this wasn’t a rally,’ Ms Musumba said.
She explained her attendance served two purposes: mobilizing her constituents to benefit economically from cassava production and demonstrating multiparty political cooperation.
‘Tell them Salaam is not an idiot but a democrat and stateswoman who understands the political parameters that compel one to work with, not for, Mr Museveni. I want to use myself as a billboard for multiparty politics. It’s about coexistence, tolerance, and working for the common good,’ she added.
Ms Musumba cited her record as Kamuli District Chairperson, where she implemented the NRM manifesto despite belonging to the FDC, helping the district earn a national ranking as second-best. She also recalled accompanying President Museveni to the Vatican, where she requested development projects for Kamuli Municipality instead of personal favours.
‘We can differ ideologically but remain united in serving the people. That is the true practice of multiparty dispensation,’ she said.
She noted her presence at the invitation-only event was a social and moral obligation to honor a long-standing friendship with the factory’s founder, Dr Magoola. ‘It would haunt me not to honour his invitation,’ she said.
During the ceremony, 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli Woman MP Rebecca Kadaga asked the President to support infrastructure including a power line from Isimba Dam, tarmacking the Budhumbula-Namasagali-Busambu road, and gazetting the factory as an industrial park.
Henry Munaaba Dhikusooka, development consultant with the Butansi Elders Forum, praised Ms Musumba’s non-partisan approach.
‘Salaam is Busoga’s second asset after Mama Kadaga. With these two voices, all we need are young entrepreneurs and thinkers to unlock Busoga’s full potential beyond ego-driven politics,’ he said.
The event, hailed by local residents, was described by Violet Aliyinza, Busambu Ghetto Brigade Coordinator, as a boost for the Namasagali community, reinforcing confidence in collaborative development initiatives.