Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has issued a warning amid an escalating political dispute involving political activist Justine Nameere Nsubuga, Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General Daudi Kabanda, and the growing contest for the Speakership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
In a post shared on X on Friday morning, Muhoozi cautioned unnamed female political figures against becoming overly involved in power struggles, remarks that many political observers interpreted as being directed at Nameere.
“I advise some ladies to steer clear of some of these issues. It doesn’t matter how many times Mzee calls you. That doesn’t make you amount to anything. I remember Winnie Karagwa being as excited as some of you in 1986,” Muhoozi wrote.
The remarks came after Nameere publicly defended Speaker Anita Among and criticized Daudi Kabanda and PLU officials in recent days.
Nameere had posted messages expressing support for Among, saying the Speaker had already been vetted and recommended by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee ahead of the upcoming parliamentary leadership elections.
“You have braved all manner of false accusations against you. This is just passing wind. CEC vetted you and made its recommendation, and soon in caucus we NRM MPs, who are the majority, shall support that recommendation accordingly,” Nameere wrote in one of her posts.
The online exchange escalated after Kabanda challenged Nameere over election declaration forms related to her political contest in Masaka City.
“As you also prepare your declaration forms from all polling stations of Masaka City, Justice Teko has already been guided on how to deal with that case,” Kabanda posted.
Nameere responded by accusing Kabanda of blackmail and demanding accountability regarding funds raised through charity activities associated with PLU.
The political fallout comes shortly after PLU withdrew its earlier endorsement of Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for the top parliamentary positions.
Muhoozi has since openly endorsed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth for Speaker, describing the Speakership race as part of a broader campaign against corruption and misuse of public office.
He also posted additional statements on Friday emphasizing his influence within Uganda’s political system.
“Those who doubt my power in my country, try me now and find out,” one of the posts read.
The growing public exchanges have added fresh tension within the ruling NRM, as the Speakership race increasingly becomes a focal point for wider internal political rivalries ahead of the formal election of parliamentary leaders.