UDC welcomes Mbulawa

• His defection shakes BCP, BDP in Ngamiland politics
• To solidify UDC, challenge Kekgonegile in Maun East
• 1000 former BDP supporters expected to follow him

SOLOMON TJINYEKA

editors@thepatriot.co.bw

Amid pomp and fanfare, the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) was scheduled to welcome prominent businessman and former Chairman of the North West region of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), ReabokaMbulawa in Maun on Saturday.

The defection of Mbulawa, known by hordes of followers as Tau- for his daring approach to politics and astute business acumen, has sent shockwaves across the political landscape of the North West region. Mbulawa, who owns several tourism enterprises and has long been an influential figure in Maun politics, joined the Botswana National Front (BNF) -a key partner in the UDC coalition last year after the BDP lost power. He revealed that his defection followed a period of persecution by the BDP leadership and deep frustration after the party vetted him out of contesting the Maun East parliamentary seat ahead of the 2024 general election.