Frank Kabuye, a 23-year-old Makerere University student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics earned massive respect when he miserably defeated the incumbent and former Kampala Metropolitan Area Police spokesperson Semeo Nsubuga to become the MP for Kassanda South in Kassanda district.
Kabuye, who will be one of the youngest MPs in the 11th Parliament is a well known beans seller who is always found offloading sacks of maize and beans at Bulenga, near the roundabout.
In an interview with Observer, a local newspaper, Kabuye confessed that he was inspired by the NUP Principal Robert Kyagulayi Sentamu alias Bobi Wine to contest.
“My interest in politics came in when Hon Kyagulanyi Ssentamu [NUP president and former presidential candidate] was contesting for Kyadondo East constituency. We supported him even when we were from a different region. Because he won, it showed us we can be what we want to be, as long as we work hard. Then the constitutional amendment [to remove age limits] really closed the deal. In Kassanda South, our MP Semeo Nsubuga was at the forefront of the amendment.” Kabuye said.
The third year Makerere student, who knew that politics is not an easy race invested very little money, lucky for him it worked perfectly in his favor. The little money he used was got from his savings as well as contributions from friends and family.
“You know in politics we have two sides; we can’t have a draw. You either win or lose. By the way, I did not put in a lot of money as my competitors did. I didn’t make promises to people or my campaigners. I was true to myself and the people trusted me.” He explained.
“Everywhere I went people would say we are going to eat their money but we know what to do. I started working in 2014 in my vacation, buying and selling food produce especially maize and beans. I used my savings in my campaigns. I also got contributions from friends and my father.” The Makerere student explained further.
Kabuye disclosed that he earned a lot of respect after defeating the incumbent from both his voters and workmates. Fresh from the election, Kabuye was not allowed to do heavy work like he used to.
The yet to be sworn in MP promised to continue checking on his people despite being an MP. According to Kabuye, those people made everything they could to see him go through.
“I have spent like a month away from my work, but when I came back, my colleagues didn’t want me to do what I used to do. They want me to do simple work, yet I am used to the heavy work of sampling the maize, spiking and carrying bags, but right now they don’t allow me.” Kabuye said.
Despite having no experience in leadership/politics, Kabuye has vowed to learn and make sure that he delivers what he is expected from him. The Makerere student also promised to spend only two terms in parliament after which he will give way for another leader to take over.
“I don’t believe that to be a good leader you need to know everything. As our principal tells us, we must be ready to learn new things and unlearn others. Two terms are enough. In 10 years’ time, I will be leaving for somebody else. I want to keep my word as I told the people of Kassanda.” He said.
Just like other MPs, Kabuye will receive over UGX 200 million to buy a new car. On his plans for the money, the Makerere student revealed that he wants to upgrade from his current Toyota Kluger to a Toyota Harrier. He also intends to purchase an ambulance for Kiganda Health Centre.
The newly elected MP’s relationship is all goals as he disclosed that he is dating a fellow student who recently finished her studies. The two were side by side during the campaigns as well as on polling day.
“I have a girlfriend; she just finished campus. We were in the same class but I had to cut off my last year to concentrate on politics. We were in campaigns by the time campus resumed.” Kabuye said before adding that “She was there with me as an agent.”
The third year Makerere student also received massive support from his classmates who worked as his agents on polling day. According to Kabuye, their involvement helped to curb vote rigging.
The fired up student, who can’t wait to join parliament feels sad about ditching jeans as wearing of suits is a must for all legislators.
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