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Minister Balaam has claimed that former Kawempe South Member of Parliament Mubarak Munyagwa supports Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba but is hesitant to publicly declare his position because of concerns about how opposition supporters would react.
According to Balaam, Munyagwa is among the politicians who privately support Gen Muhoozi but have not yet openly expressed their position. The minister made the remarks while discussing the growing political activities surrounding Muhoozi and his supporters.
Balaam claimed that Munyagwa’s hesitation is largely influenced by the political environment surrounding him. He said the former legislator fears that openly supporting Muhoozi could attract criticism from people who have previously identified him with opposition politics.
“Hon Mubarak Munyagwa says he supports Gen Muhoozi, but he is in fear of what opposition supporters will say if he comes out openly,” Balaam said, according to the remarks circulating publicly.
The minister further claimed that Munyagwa is concerned about how his supporters and political associates would interpret a public declaration of support for Muhoozi. Balaam suggested that the situation has made it difficult for the former MP to openly communicate his political position.
Balaam also alleged that some individuals within the Patriotic League of Uganda, commonly known as PLU, are attempting to blackmail Munyagwa. He said these alleged efforts were another factor contributing to the former MP’s concerns.
“Even some people amongst us in PLU are trying to blackmail him,” Balaam added. The claim, however, remains an allegation made by the minister, and Munyagwa’s position would need to be confirmed directly by him.
Munyagwa is a well-known figure in Uganda’s political scene, having represented Kawempe South in Parliament. He previously contested the seat on the Forum for Democratic Change ticket and served as an opposition legislator before later becoming involved in different political activities.
His political journey has placed him in a position where his public statements and political associations often attract attention. Any decision by him to openly support a different political camp would therefore likely generate discussion among his former supporters and political observers.
Balaam’s comments come at a time when Gen Muhoozi has increasingly become a prominent figure in Uganda’s political conversations. Supporters of the Chief of Defence Forces have been mobilising around his political ambitions and activities, creating significant interest across the country.
The question of politicians publicly associating themselves with Muhoozi has also become a subject of political debate. While some leaders have openly expressed support, others have remained cautious about declaring their positions.
According to Balaam, Munyagwa falls into the latter category. The minister portrayed him as someone who supports Muhoozi but is concerned about the possible political consequences of making that support public.
The remarks have raised questions about the pressure politicians may face when changing or realigning their political positions. In Uganda’s highly competitive political environment, leaders who shift alliances can sometimes face criticism from supporters who feel connected to their previous political affiliations.
Munyagwa’s past association with opposition politics makes Balaam’s claim particularly significant. As a former FDC legislator, he has previously been associated with a political camp that has often criticised the ruling establishment and some of its leading figures.
A public declaration supporting Muhoozi would therefore represent a notable political shift in the eyes of many observers. However, unless Munyagwa personally confirms the position attributed to him by Balaam, the claim remains part of the minister’s account.
Balaam also suggested that political pressure is not coming only from outside the group supporting Muhoozi. His allegation that some PLU members are allegedly attempting to blackmail Munyagwa introduces another dimension to the debate over political allegiance.
The minister did not, in the remarks quoted, provide details about who he believed was involved in the alleged blackmail or explain exactly how Munyagwa was allegedly being targeted. The claims therefore remain subject to further clarification.
The development has nevertheless sparked interest among political followers, particularly those monitoring the growing support networks around Gen Muhoozi. Many are watching to see which politicians will openly associate themselves with his political movement as the country’s political landscape continues to evolve.
For Munyagwa, the alleged dilemma highlights the difficulties that can come with political realignment. A politician may privately hold a particular political view while choosing not to publicly announce it because of concerns about supporters, allies or opponents.
Balaam’s remarks are therefore likely to fuel further debate about where Munyagwa stands politically and whether he will eventually make his position public. For now, the former MP’s alleged support for Gen Muhoozi remains a claim made by Minister Balaam, while Munyagwa’s own public confirmation or denial would provide clarity on the matter.
