“It’s Just Street Jazz”: MP-elect Emmanuel Magoola Rubbishes Walukagga’s Shs300m Campaign Payment Claim

The newly elected Member of Parliament for Busiro East, Emmanuel Magoola, has come out to set the record straight regarding allegations that he owes veteran kadongo kamu singer Sir Mathias Walukagga a staggering Shs300 million.

The controversy was sparked by a viral video showing a celebratory Walukagga claiming that Magoola had committed to paying him the hefty sum as a reward for his role in securing the parliamentary seat.

However, speaking in an interview on Saturday, Magoola laughed off the claims, describing them as baseless rumors with no legal or logical foundation.

“I have no verbal or written agreement with Mr. Walukagga regarding that money. What you are hearing is just loose street jazz,” Magoola stated. “In politics, people say many things, but a Shs300 million debt? That is non-existent.”

The MP-elect sought to clarify the nature of his relationship with the ‘Bax Ragga’ star during the heated campaign season. He acknowledged that while Walukagga provided logistical support, it was handled within standard campaign practices.

“He spoke about resources and vehicles. When I met Walukagga, he already had vehicles with stickers. He offered them to me for use, and I rebranded them with my own campaign posters. I thanked him for that gesture at the time,” Magoola explained.

He noted that such arrangements are common in Ugandan politics and are fully recognized by the Electoral Commission guidelines regarding third-party contributions.

Magoola further emphasized that Walukagga’s primary role was that of a professional entertainer. He maintained that any services rendered by the singer were strictly business and had already been addressed.

“Walukagga is a big brand in this country. I hired him as an artist to perform at my rallies, a job which he did very well. But to turn around and claim a Shs300 million debt is something else entirely,” Magoola added.

The fallout has gripped social media, with supporters of both figures divided over whether the claim is a genuine payment dispute or a case of “political commission” gone wrong.

As Magoola prepares to take his seat in the 12th Parliament, he seems intent on leaving the drama behind, urging his constituents to focus on the work ahead rather than “social media noise.” Walukagga is yet to issue a  response to Magoola’s latest remarks.