Mubanda 'on bed rest' after losing poll petition

Former Masaka district woman MP Frida Mubanda is experiencing the lowest of times in her political career after efforts to retain her seat through an election petition failed last week.

She has gone silent and does not want to talk to anyone, especially her close political friends and the media.

New Vision has learnt that the politician is currently on bed rest at her home in Kampala on medical advice in the wake of her unsuccessful petition.

Inside Masaka High Court last week, Mubanda remained seated for almost one hour, seemingly in disbelief after Justice Michael Elubu dismissed with costs her poll petition.

She had cited vote bribery and rigging among the key grounds.

But in his ruling, Justice Elubu said the evidence presented by Mubanda was not sufficient to affect the election of her rival Babirye Kabanda.

Inside court, Mubanda remained seated for almost one hour in disbelie. (Credit: Dismus Buregyeya)

Mubanda was rushed to a private health clinic in Masaka Town shortly after leaving court.

Former Masaka district council speaker, Phoebe Kyewalyanga told New Vision that Mubanda will invite the press to speak out on her next move at the "right time".

"Currently she is still suffering from the setback and she will invite media at the right time. She needs a break,"Kyewalyanga, who is her closest friend, said.

‘In a bad mood'

Family sources told New Vision that Mubanda also lost a lot of money - reportedly amounting to nearly sh1b - during the 2016 election process.

Formerly attached to the United Nations, she is reported to have lost over sh500m last year after unknown people broke into her home in Kabonela in Masaka district while away attending the NRM party Kyankwanzi retreat.

Mubanda lost the seat to DP's Babirye Kabanda. (Credit: Dismus Buregyeya)

Mubanda later reportedly lost close to sh100m to a racket of traditional healers from Kinoni in Lwengo during the 2016 campaigns.  Police in Masaka and Lwengo made fruitless efforts to recover the money.

"Mubanda is in a bad mood. She lost huge sums of money to thieves, conmen, campaigns and during the court process," a source said.

The wealthy politician, who owns properties in Kampala, Masaka and Wakiso and in the US, has reportedly been funding most of the NRM party activities, district functions including fundraising events for institutions and individuals.

She lost the parliamentary seat to DP candidate and former Mengo government official, Babirye Kabanda with a difference of 19,000 votes.

Mubanda said she was betrayed by some NRM party officials.