Uganda MPs Clash Publicly Over Speaker Race Amid Arrest Drama
Masaka, Uganda – A bitter war of words has erupted on X (formerly Twitter) between Patriotic League Secretary General Daudi Kabanda and Masaka City Woman MP Justine Nameere Nsubuga, exposing deep factional rifts within the ruling NRM party just days before Parliament reconvenes to elect a new Speaker.
The feud, which unfolded over 48 hours, centers on the race for the Speakership, with Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth emerging as the establishment candidate backed by both President Yoweri Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Accusations of Intimidation
The conflict was ignited by Kabanda, who accused Nameere of actively working to undermine Oboth Oboth’s candidacy.
“Those who can access her, tell her that we have been reliably informed that she is busy threatening MPs not to attend the incoming Speaker, Hon Oboth Oboth’s function days back,” Kabanda posted. “If she does not stop she will be picked.”
The warning appeared to carry weight. Local reports indicate that Name the was briefly arrested by plainclothes security personnel in Masaka on May 15, an incident that allegedly left some of her supporters injured.
Personal Attacks and ‘Blackmail’ Claims
Nameere responded defiantly, mocking Kabanda and dismissing his claims as inept.
“Kabanda yo exceptionally inept,” she wrote. “U really believed Hon Jacob Obboth Obboth who is family to me would believe yo black mail.”
She further revealed that Oboth Oboth had directly received a phone call from the President. Following that call, the Minister reportedly assured her he would not be swayed by Kabanda’s “shitty lies,” adding, “He is not Speaker AAA, change script!”
The reference to “Speaker AAA” is a clear jab at former Speaker Anita Annet Among, whom Kabanda previously supported.
Profile Picture Feud
The personal nature of the dispute extended to social media aesthetics. Kabanda initially mocked unnamed “stock enfu members” for changing their WhatsApp profile pictures.
Nameere responded by turning the accusation on its head. She noted that her profile picture has consistently featured President Museveni and (“Papito”), implying that Kabanda was the one who previously changed his photo of the former Speaker.
“It’s u kabanda who always had Rt Hon AAA as yo profile pic becoz u had free food, fuel, deals and her house girls to impregnate!” she charged. “Since Gen MK referred to me as his sister, yo bleating about me endlessly.”
Questions Over Social Media Management
Kabanda later issued a pointed rebuttal, demanding answers regarding his credibility.
He asked Nameere: “Do you now believe that I was sent? So am I the one who referred you as my sister and later deleted the tweet? Banange bba wa Nsubuga.”
The exchange highlights a growing trend in Ugandan politics where leadership contests are increasingly fought through aggressive online campaigns, often blurring the line between policy debate and personal vendetta.
What’s Next
With Parliament set to open on May 20, the vote for Speaker remains a critical test of factional strength. While President Museveni has reportedly thrown his weight behind Oboth Oboth, the public spat suggests that resistance from other party members remains.
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