Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has expressed his dissatisfaction with State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere, stating that the people of Masaka support him and President Yoweri Museveni, but not Nameere. Muhoozi made these remarks amid a dispute between him and Nameere, which started after a video appeared to show Nameere warning Muhoozi against confronting NRM legislators. However, a longer version of the recording reportedly showed that she was addressing Patriotic League of Uganda Secretary General Daudi Kabanda and not Muhoozi.
The disagreement between Muhoozi and Nameere has increased uncertainty around the political situation in Masaka City ahead of future political activities. Muhoozi had earlier given Nameere a deadline to apologise, warning that she could face consequences if she failed to do so. He later reiterated that she had 72 hours to issue an apology. The Gen. has not publicly stated the specific issue for which he wants the apology, while Nameere’s position on the matter has continued to attract attention.
The dispute has also come amid an ongoing legal battle over the Masaka City Woman MP seat. Nameere defeated National Unity Platform candidate Rose Nalubowa after a court-ordered recount changed the earlier Electoral Commission declaration. The Electoral Commission had initially declared Nalubowa the winner of the January 2026 election, but Nameere challenged the outcome and later secured a recount through court proceedings.
Masaka Chief Magistrate Albert Asiimwe subsequently declared Nameere the winner. Nalubowa challenged the decision in the High Court, arguing that the magistrate did not have the authority to overturn the Electoral Commission’s declaration and award the seat to Nameere. The political developments have continued to attract attention in Masaka City, with different leaders and groups expressing views about the disputed election outcome and the disagreements involving Nameere, Muhoozi and other political figures.
Muhoozi has threatened to campaign for another candidate in Masaka City if Nameere does not apologise. He said, “The people of Masaka support me, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and President Museveni. Not Nameere. Never. If she doubts it, I will go there and campaign for my preferred candidate.” The Gen. did not reveal the identity of the candidate he would support.
The situation in Masaka City has become increasingly complex, with various stakeholders weighing in on the dispute. The ongoing legal battle over the Masaka City Woman MP seat has added to the uncertainty, with many waiting to see how the situation will unfold. The disagreement between Muhoozi and Nameere has also raised questions about the future of NRM in the region.
The developments in Masaka City have sparked concerns about the potential impact on the region's politics. As the situation continues to unfold, leaders and residents are watching closely to see how the disputes will be resolved. The outcome of the ongoing legal battle and Muhoozi's next move will likely have significant implications for the region's politics.
Key points
- Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba threatens to campaign for another candidate in Masaka City if State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere does not apologise.
