Namuganza Escalates Dispute with NRM Officials Over Blocked Caucus Retreat Access

State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza has taken her grievances to President Yoweri Museveni, accusing senior officials at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat of trying to bar her from the party’s parliamentary caucus retreat.

The retreat is set for April 7 to 15 at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi District, gathering NRM-elected MPs and over 40 Independents aligned with the party. Namuganza, who is running for Speaker of Parliament, claims the officials, influenced by certain parliamentary figures, imposed ‘illegal procedures’ like requiring her to sign an MoU with the party.

“This is our party and I am NRM. Why subject me to such unfair treatment?” she questioned in an interview. She highlighted her longstanding party involvement, including in the National Youth League, and argued that her Independent status does not limit her party association.

After reporting the matter, Museveni invited her personally as NRM National Chairperson, ensuring her participation. The President reportedly questioned the officials’ actions, noting Independents can still engage with their preferred party.

NRM spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo refuted the blocking claims, stating that Independents were simply asked to register for logistical purposes ahead of their official swearing-in. No MoU is currently required, he clarified.

The event will cover party ideology, governance, regional geopolitics, national security, political economy, and ‘Musevenomics.’ Sessions will also address human capital, infrastructure, agriculture, and Parliament’s role in meeting public expectations, preparing new legislators for challenges ahead.

This follows the January 15, 2026 elections, where NRM secured a strong majority in the over 500-member legislature.

Source: Daily Monitor