Namutumba Woman MP blocked from speaking at health facility commissioning event

Namutumba: Voters in Busoga subregion are sending a strong message to their leaders as the 2026 general elections approach. They're threatening to hold accountable any leaders who have neglected their duties, particularly Members of Parliament (MPs) who have failed to engage with their constituents.

The frustration boiled over last Friday when Namutumba district Woman MP, Hon. Mariam Naigaga, was chased away from an event commissioning Nangonde health center III in Nangonde town council, Namutumba district. The voters particularly youths were unhappy with her performance and didn't allow her to speak.

A dramatic incident unfolded at the important event when a young man identified as Bosa Ndabwiike alongside colleagues scampered towards Naigaga who had just started delivering her speech and grabbed the microphone from her hands. The legislator who condemned the incident, calling it "uncalled for", was left frustrated before the constituents she represents.

"We are tired of you! Where have you been since?" the young men alarmed when attacking the lawmaker. 

Chaos later erupted when Naigaga's supporters reportedly turned against the attackers.  Ndabwiike was, however, arrested and taken to Ivukula police post. The suspect was later released with no charges. 

This incident highlights the growing discontent among voters in Busoga, who feel their leaders have not been responsive to their needs. As the elections draw near, it's clear that voters will be demanding more accountability from their leaders.

Another dramatic scene unfolded when expectant mothers forcefully seized and ripped apart mother kits donated by Hon. Naigaga, leading to injuries and hospitalizations.

Bukono constituency lawmaker, Princess Persis Namuganza, who also doubles as the State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, challenged the move, stating that uncoordinated initiative [donation] caused the chaos. 

"It is very bad and shaming that our mothers are fighting for mother kits of twenty thousand shillings (Shs20,000)," Namuganza said.

Namuganza applauded the government for undertaking notable developments in the rural areas of Bukono constituency, citing electricity which was distributed in most parts of Namutumba. She said the multi-million health center aims to extend healthcare services to locals in Namutumba district particularly in Nangonde subcounty. 

"We have been facing a challenge of health facilities in this area but it is now solved with this new facility constructed by the government," she noted.

The health facility was constructed by Galisonga construction company, spending over Shs909 million.  

Fredrick Bangu, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Namutumba, stressed the importance of mutual respect among politicians, even in the midst of intense competition. He warned that the law would be strictly enforced against any politician found disrespecting their rivals. 

Bangu also urged voters to remain united and not allow themselves to be divided by the very politicians they support, who often leave them behind in villages while they attend to their interests in Kampala.

Reports from Namutumba suggest that Mariam Naigaga, who is vying for the National Resistance Movement's (NRM) Vice Chairperson seat for the Eastern Region, has no support from Minister Persis Namuganza. This development comes as the NRM prepares for its upcoming primaries. 

According to allegations, Namuganza accuses Naigaga for backing up Speaker Anita Among who also announced her bid to run against former Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, for the NRM's top position, National Vice Chairperson - Female.