Political tensions in Butambala District have sharply risen after Speaker of Parliament Anita Among made strong and controversial remarks about the area’s Member of Parliament, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi. Her comments, delivered before residents and party supporters, have since ignited intense debate across the political divide.
Anita Among openly questioned Kivumbi’s commitment to the people he represents, arguing that true leadership must be seen and felt on the ground. She suggested that an MP should be deeply rooted in the constituency, not only politically but also personally.
In one of her most striking statements, the Speaker claimed that Muwanga Kivumbi does not own a home in Butambala. According to her, the MP reportedly sleeps at his mother’s house, a situation she portrayed as unfit for someone holding such a high public office.
Among went further to allege that the land where Kivumbi’s mother lives belongs to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). This claim, though not backed by documents at the time, added fuel to an already heated political exchange.
Using strong language, the Speaker likened Kivumbi’s living situation to that of an internally displaced person. She questioned how a leader could effectively serve people when, in her words, he appears to have no permanent base in his own constituency.
Anita Among also accused the Butambala MP of failing to invest in the district that elected him. She argued that leaders should use their influence and resources to uplift their communities through development projects and job creation.
According to the Speaker, Butambala has not seen visible investments directly linked to Kivumbi, something she said reflects poorly on his leadership. She challenged him to point to projects that have transformed the lives of local residents.
The Speaker contrasted this with allegations that Kivumbi has instead invested outside his constituency. She claimed that the opposition MP built a hotel in Kira, Wakiso District, rather than channeling similar efforts into Butambala.
Even more controversially, Anita Among alleged that the said hotel was constructed in a wetland. If true, such an action would contradict environmental laws and raise serious questions about accountability and integrity.
Her remarks appeared carefully aimed at portraying Kivumbi as disconnected from the struggles of ordinary people in Butambala. She suggested that leaders should prioritize their voters before focusing on business interests elsewhere.
Muwanga Kivumbi, who also serves as the deputy president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), is known as a fierce critic of the ruling NRM government. He has frequently spoken out against corruption and abuse of power, including actions linked to top government officials.
His strong opposition stance has often placed him on a collision course with senior leaders, including Speaker Anita Among. Many political observers believe her comments are part of a broader political battle between the ruling party and the opposition.
Supporters of the ruling side welcomed the Speaker’s remarks, arguing that leaders must be accountable to their constituencies beyond speeches and media appearances. They say development and presence matter more than political rhetoric.
On the other hand, opposition supporters view the attack as a personal and politically motivated assault. They argue that leadership should be measured by representation, advocacy, and legislation, not by where one sleeps at night.
Some critics also questioned why personal housing should be used as a benchmark for leadership. They warned that such arguments could distract from more pressing national issues affecting citizens.
As of now, Muwanga Kivumbi has not officially responded to the allegations made by the Speaker. His silence has only intensified public curiosity and speculation about how he will address the claims.
Political analysts expect that Kivumbi’s response, when it comes, will be closely watched. Many believe it could further escalate tensions between NUP and the ruling establishment.
Meanwhile, residents of Butambala remain divided. Some feel embarrassed by the public exchange, while others see it as a necessary debate about leadership responsibility.
The incident has once again highlighted how personal lives are increasingly dragged into Uganda’s political battles. It reflects a political environment where personal attacks often overshadow policy discussions.
As the political temperature continues to rise, one thing is clear: the clash between Anita Among and Muwanga Kivumbi has set the stage for more confrontations ahead, with Butambala firmly at the center of the storm.
