Writes Leo Odera Omolo
UPC presidential flag-bearer, Ambassador Olara Otunnu, is set to walk down the aisle on Saturday, putting to rest one of Uganda’s most vexing political questions.
Uganda’s most eligible bachelor is expected to say I do to Ms Jocelyn Bafokugamba at 3:00pm at St Kagwa Parish in Bushenyi. Bafokugamba hails from Kanungu district.
Details about the relationship are scanty but sources close to the couple say the two met about three years ago in France, but their romance has only assumed a new sense of urgency in recent weeks.
Bafokugamba, who is described as being in her early 30s, has been living in France for the last seven years. According to sources, she studied social work and administration at Makerere University. It’s not clear what she does for a living in France. A family member who talked to The New Vision on condition of anonymity said Bafokugamba’s maternal grandfather is a Muganda.
Political watchers will not miss the political overtones that this marriage carries.
Since Otunnu returned to the country last year, the question of his marital status—or lack of thereof—has hovered over him like a dark cloud. His impending marriage should improve his political fortunes in a country which puts a high premium on the family man.
The choice of the wedding venue looks curious, but when one remembers that Bushenyi served as the bedrock of UPC’s support in the 1980s, questions fall away.
However, the choice of a Mukiga bride will come as a surprise because beyond the romance, there seems to be no major political benefit to it. But in January, while on a campaign trail in Kabaale, Otunnu insinuated that Bakiga would be his in-laws.
Watchers would have been less surprised if he married a Muganda. Central region is an area he badly needs to patch up relations within the context of the historical animosity between the area and his UPC party.
Otunnu was elected party president last month at Namboole stadium in Kampala.
Recent polls show he lags behind FDC’s Kizza Besigye and DP’s Norbert Mao as a main challenger to President Yoweri Museveni innext year’s elections.
Ends