By Henry Okurut
As the contest for the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) intensifies, tensions are particularly high in Uganda’s Busoga sub-region.
State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Persis Namuganza Princess has openly criticized fellow Basoga leaders for endorsing Speaker of Parliament Anita Among for the position of NRM CEC National Vice Chairperson for Female, instead of supporting their own, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.
Namuganza, who represents Bukono County in Namutumba District, expressed her dismay over the endorsement of what she termed a “stranger” at the expense of a native leader.
Drawing from an African proverb, she remarked, “A monkey cannot be a judge in its own forest,” questioning the rationale behind favoring an outsider over a local candidate.
In a pointed statement, Namuganza referenced a viral video where someone questioned the dietary choices of the Basoga, implying that their decisions might be influenced by external factors.
She stated, “I saw someone in a video asking: which food do you eat, so we don’t serve it to our children. So, I am also asking the same question; which food do you eat?”
Highlighting the importance of regional solidarity, Namuganza urged leaders to at least abstain from voting if they couldn’t support Kadaga, suggesting that accepting bribes should not override loyalty to one’s own.
She lamented the tendency of Basoga leaders to undermine each other, recalling President Museveni’s observation that “when you want to fight a Musoga, use a fellow Musoga,” emphasizing that such internal conflicts are unique to the region.
Namuganza’s remarks come shortly after Speaker Among denied allegations of targeting Kadaga, asserting that the CEC position traditionally belongs to the sitting Speaker of Parliament.
Despite their past political rivalry, Namuganza affirmed her support for Kadaga, indicating that they had reconciled after the previous elections.
In recent NRM district elections in Namutumba, Namuganza secured the role of Secretary for Finance, while Simon Menya was elected as Chairperson.
However, the elections faced challenges when Mariam Naigaga, the District Woman MP who lost to Menya, petitioned the NRM Electoral Commission.
The Commission’s Chairperson, Tanga Odoi, subsequently ordered a re-election for the district chairperson position.
The political dynamics in Namutumba reflect broader tensions within the NRM, with Namuganza aligned with Kadaga and Naigaga supporting Among.
Namuganza has called on President Museveni, who also serves as the NRM Party Chairman, to intervene and prevent party supporters from defecting to the opposition due to internal disputes.
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