Bulawa is a member of the Botswana People’s Party (BPP), who are affiliates of the UDC. As a seasoned politician and former candidate for Tati West constituency, Bulawa's decision not to contest has possibly left a significant vacuum in the UDC’s upcoming electoral battle.
This week, he said that his health condition necessitated a re-evaluation of his political aspirations. He explained that despite his desire to contribute to the UDC and the BPP, his doctor’s advice prompted him to prioritise his well-being over political ambitions. “My doctor advised me that it is best I take a lengthy break or considerably lessening my role in politics.
I had wanted to at least take two months of rest then continue being very active in politics. However, the doctor insisted that it is best I take a lengthy break or substantially reduce my participation in politics for a prolonged period. He felt that prolonged or intense participation in political activities like campaigns will be very detrimental to my health,” Bulawa said.
Bulawa maintained that he will not be totally lost to the UDC and the BPP but will play a very negligible role. “I would really have loved to contest the 2024 General Election, but I cannot go against expert advice. I will not be very visible during campaigns but will continue playing my role as a BPP central committee member and national executive committee (NEC) member of the UDC,” he said. He added: “The BPP president (Motlatsi Molapise) was very much aware that I am not well and wholeheartedly backed my decision to step down.”
Despite Bulawa's absence from the ballot, he remains optimistic about the prospects of the BPP in Tati West, highlighting the party's depth of talent and potential candidates in the constituency. “The party is closer to finding a candidate for the 2024 general election. I will also support the candidate unreservedly,” he said. After the 2019 General Election, Bulawa expressed interest to contest the 2024 General Election in Francistown East while still at the Botswana Congress Party (BCP). He even started working with the BCP structures in the area.
He would later be recruited by the BPP with a view of fielding him in Tati West. Until he let go his desire to contest in Tati West, Bulawa was assertively campaigning in the constituency. In addition, the University of Botswana lecturer is no stranger to the constituency. He contested the 2014 General Election under the BCP banner and lost to Biggie Butale. The latter was under the BDP before he joined the opposition.
