Tragic news broke on Tuesday morning as Ugandan musician Adam Mulwana, best known for his hit song ‘Toka Kwabalabala,’ passed away at the age of 36. Condolences poured in on social media, particularly from members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), a party with which Mulwana had been associated before his illness. While FDC and its leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye, expressed sorrow at his demise, it has come to light that Mulwana had been left to suffer alone and abandoned by those he once believed would support him.
Mulwana rose to fame with his popular track ‘Toka Kwabalabala’ in 2016, a song that aimed to rally support for Besigye during the presidential campaign. Sadly, Mulwana’s life was cut short by a battle with a liver infection, which he valiantly fought until his passing.
Besigye, upon hearing the news of the singer’s death, released a heartfelt video praising Mulwana’s intelligence, creativity, and unwavering loyalty to the FDC’s cause.
In a statement released by the FDC, they expressed deep sadness at the loss of Mulwana, acknowledging his courageous fight against the effects of liver poisoning until his peaceful passing at his home in Makindye. The FDC further highlighted Mulwana’s significant contributions, particularly his iconic song ‘Toka Kwabalabala,’ which served as the party’s campaign anthem in 2016. The FDC took charge of the funeral arrangements, intending to give Mulwana a fitting farewell.
However, despite these public displays of grief and the seemingly caring gestures, it has emerged that Besigye and others in the FDC disregarded Mulwana’s pleas for help throughout his illness.
In a video interview released prior to his death, Mulwana exposed the truth, saying, “FDC bigwigs abandoned me after I fell sick.”
Shattering the illusion of support, he revealed that despite his continuous requests for assistance, his fellow party members and Besigye neglected him, leaving him to face his illness alone and abandoned.
A testimonial from Wassajja Aiden, who spoke with Mulwana before his passing, further revealed the tragic truth. Aiden stated that Mulwana had expressed his attempts to reach out to Besigye, but all his efforts were in vain. Aiden expressed his disappointment and urged others not to place their trust in politicians like Besigye.
Interestingly, it was members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) who offered Mulwana a glimmer of hope during his final days. Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine and other NUP leaders visited Mulwana, pledging financial support to cover his mounting medical bills. Tragically, Mulwana waited in vain for this promised assistance.
Amidst his desperate pleas, the only aid Mulwana received came from Anita Among of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), who provided him with UGX 10 million for his medical treatment. It is a stark reminder that while opposition politicians now dance on Mulwana’s grave, they were nowhere to be found when he needed them most.
Mulwana’s untimely demise serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by individuals who place their trust in politicians, only to be met with abandonment and neglect when their circumstances take a turn for the worse.