RDC donates NRM T-shirts at graduation, sparks mixed public reactions

_________________

There was both excitement and emotional reactions when Kamuli assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Lazaro Magezi donated President Yoweri Museveni-branded T-shirts to a teacher and his relatives at the graduation ceremony.

Magezi, a close friend of Haruna Nkutiire Lamusa, a bachelor's in primary education graduate, donated Museveni campaign T-shirts branded 'Protecting the Gains' to his parents and wife at the graduation event at Gwembuzi village, Bukoma sub-county in Luuka district.

As the audience waited with anticipation, Magezi gestured to his aide, demanding the gifts prepared for the graduate and their family. The package, concealed in a plain polyethene bag, sparked curiosity as it was handed to him. Just as the crowd leaned forward, eager to catch a glimpse of the contents, he unveiled it, exposing President Museveni-branded T-shirts and banners emblazoned with the slogan “Protecting the Gains.”

Nkutiire (centre) and other guests while cutting cake at the event. (Credit: Ivan Wakibi)

Amidst thunderous cheers from NRM loyalists, Magezi distributed the items to the graduate, his parents, and his wife. However, beneath the applause, a murmur of unease rippled through the crowd. Whispers of concern flickered.

Magezi dressed the T-shirt beneficiaries in them and asked the family to support Museveni. He defended the choice of the gifts, attributing Lamusa's successful venture of getting a bachelor's to President Museveni, who put in place favourable conditions for education and peace, among other things.

He also pointed out other development initiatives like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, among other things and rallied the guests to shun the Opposition and instead support NRM for development.

Nkutiire’s father, Addi Lamusa, a retired teacher, appreciated the gifts, saying he had been employed by the NRM government as a headteacher at various schools in the districts of Iganga and Luuka till he retired. According to Addi, he is still receiving a pension, which supports him and his family.

Not a gift for a graduation

However, other family members like James Lundaya and other guests said they didn’t expect such a gift at an education graduation, even though Magezi's arguments were valid. They insisted that such gestures should be left for political events.

Nkutiire said he organised the event to appreciate God since he passed through various challenges by making bricks and burning charcoal, among other things, to attain the achievement.

Guest speaker Dr David Muwanguzi hailed Nkutiire for the determination that will inspire other young people to achieve the same.