Namuganza Slams Among for Hijacking Muhoozi's Event to Boost Speakership Campaign

Bukono County MP-elect and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Persis Namuganza, has publicly criticized Parliament Speaker Anita Among for allegedly turning a Kampala dinner—meant to support Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s upcoming birthday run—into a campaign platform for her Speakership bid.

Namuganza, who is also contesting for the Speaker role in the incoming 12th Parliament, claimed the event selectively invited MPs-elect under false pretenses. She accused organizers of promising Gen Muhoozi, Uganda’s military chief and First Son, as the chief guest, only for Among to take the spotlight and push her agenda.

“You cannot invite members to turn up in big numbers for what they believe is an MK dinner run, only to turn it into a political campaign,” Namuganza stated, referring to Muhoozi by his initials. As a founding member of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), she warned that such tactics were hijacking the platform for personal gain.

She highlighted that some MPs-elect dislike Among and described the event’s atmosphere as overly political, with supporters hailing her as the “Queen of Uganda.” Namuganza called on Muhoozi to publicly distance himself and remain neutral to avoid damaging his support base.

Efforts to get a response from Among or her office, including communications officer Joseph Sabiti, were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Norbert Mao has separately petitioned the Clerk to Parliament, urging a delay in new MPs’ induction until after Speaker elections. Mao fears Among could use the process, including loyalists as presenters, to sway votes. Parliament’s Director of Communication, Chris Obore, countered that the schedule is managed by the Parliamentary Service, not the Speaker.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)