By Aggrey Baba
Mukono Municipality MP, Hon. Betty Nambooze Bakireke, has come out gun blazing on voices calling for her retirement from active politics, saying her stay in Parliament is not by accident, and that she still has a key role to play in the struggle.
Nambooze, who first entered Parliament in 2010 through a by-election, says she is aware of the growing criticism that she has overstayed. However, she says her continued presence in the House is backed by the people of Mukono who have returned her to Parliament in every election since.
She says those accusing her of hanging on should remember that Parliament, unlike the presidency, has no term or age limit.
“I have served for 15 years, and yes, someone might say I’ve been around for long. But I didn’t amend the law to stay. Every term I serve is by the will of voters, not by force,” she said.
Nambooze explained that some of the same people who accuse opposition MPs of overstaying are the ones who praise older politicians from the ruling party, pointing out that while opposition figures like herself are being told to retire at 55, others like Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, aged 51, are being presented as youthful alternatives.
According to Madam Teacher, the issue is not about age, but purpose and commitment to the cause. She believes that experience is still needed in the opposition, especially at a time when the struggle for change is still ongoing.
Nambooze argued that if the few veteran opposition MPs like herself, Ssemujju Nganda, Erias Lukwago, and Ssewungu, etc were to suddenly retire, it would not only weaken the fight for democracy but also raise unnecessary suspicion among supporters [that they were paid off by the NRM]
“People will start thinking we were paid off to leave. And that would be damaging, because there are not many of us left in Parliament,” she said.
She also dismissed claims that older MPs are standing in the way of the young, saying there is room for both experience and youth, gaving an example of the Leader of Opposition transition from Hon. Mathias Mpuuga to Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, saying it showed that even the younger generation still needs guidance.
Nambooze urged political parties, especially NUP, to strike a balance between bringing in fresh energy and retaining tested leaders who understand how Parliament works.
On the issue of candidate crowding, Nambooze expressed concern that some constituencies are attracting too many aspirants, while others remain without a single candidate. She said political parties should encourage people to stand in all regions of the country, not just their home areas.
“You don’t have to stand in your village. Even a Muganda can go and contest in Karamoja if that’s where they are needed. The law allows it,” she noted.
She also cautioned against reducing the leadership question to competition over salaries or positions, saying this kind of thinking risks breaking the unity of purpose needed to oust Museveni.
“I am not here to fight for a seat. I am here because we are still in a struggle. This is not a job you just wake up and quit. The fight is still on,” she said.
Although she said she is looking forward to retirement in the future, Nambooze insisted that the decision should be based on the status of the struggle, not on pressure from critics or tiktokers. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
