Politics 8 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni Clears Namuganza After NRM Secretariat Tries to Block Her from Kyankwanzi Retreat
Lands Minister Persis Namuganza accused the NRM secretariat of attempting to bar her from the party's parliamentary caucus retreat in Kyankwanzi, prompting her to seek direct intervention from President Museveni, who approved her attendance. NRM spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo denied any blocking efforts, clarifying that registration was only for logistical purposes ahead of the event for over 350 NRM MPs and 40 independents. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kyankwanzi-museveni-saves-namuganza-from-being-blocked-5416342
Lands Minister Persis Namuganza revealed that the NRM secretariat tried to prevent her from joining the ruling party’s parliamentary caucus retreat at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi District. The event, which started recently and runs until next Wednesday, brings together newly elected MPs for induction.
Namuganza, an independent MP aligned with NRM, refused to sign a document demanded from NRM-leaning independents. She reported the issue to President Museveni, the party chairman, who questioned the requirement and personally invited her to attend.
“All independent MPs are free to interact with parties of their choice,” Namuganza quoted the president as saying. She emphasized her loyalty to NRM despite her independent status.
NRM spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo refuted claims of exclusion, stating that registration was merely for logistics to plan for attendees, including over 350 NRM MPs and 40 independents. No MoU signing was mandatory, he added.
The retreat covers topics like NRM ideology, governance, national security, and ‘Musevenomics,’ alongside discussions on agriculture, infrastructure, and parliamentary roles. Namuganza plans to address corruption concerns, which she links to the party’s declining popularity.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions, as Namuganza has previously clashed with parliamentary leadership and voiced ambitions to challenge for Speaker.
Source: Daily Monitor