By Mulengera Reporters
A heated debate broke out in Parliament on Wednesday as legislators from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the opposition shared sharply contrasting views on the upcoming 39th NRM Liberation Day, set for Sunday, January 26.
The debate followed a statement presented by Kampala State Minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye on behalf of Presidency Minister Milly Babalanda, during a plenary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. The statement invited MPs to the celebrations in Mubende District under the theme: “39 Years of NRM/NRA: Salutation to Those Who Re-Sanctified Our Homeland.” President Yoweri Museveni will preside as the chief guest.
The statement highlighted Uganda’s socio-economic transformation under NRM’s leadership, citing the country’s ascent to middle-income status with a per capita income of $1,182. It also underscored the success of poverty alleviation programs such as the Four Acre Model, Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and the Youth Livelihood Programme.
However, the Leader of the Opposition (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi, criticized the NRM’s track record, accusing it of veering away from its founding principles. Ssenyonyi revealed his parents named him Joel, inspired by Museveni’s first name, Yoweri, due to the peace they enjoyed in 1986. He lamented that this early promise had been undone by corruption, power misuse, and the government’s prolonged stay in power.
“When I reflect on the 39 years of the man I was named after, I feel disgruntled. The NRM’s 10-Point Programme promised to eliminate corruption, yet the country loses over UGX 10 trillion to graft annually,” Ssenyonyi remarked.
He also criticized first son and Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, pointing to his controversial social media posts, which allegedly threaten opposition leaders and neighboring countries. Ssenyonyi called for accountability and respect for the rule of law within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), noting that some officers have resorted to intimidation and abuse of power.
Luwero District Woman MP Brenda Nabukenya echoed these concerns, questioning the relevance of celebrating NRM Liberation Day when the Luwero Triangle, the epicenter of the NRA’s guerrilla war, remains underdeveloped. She highlighted the poor state of war monuments and inadequate compensation for the families of war victims.
“Our people died in vain because they fought for democracy and a peaceful transfer of power. Yet, monuments remain neglected, and our district lags behind in development. While cows and rice are being prepared for the celebrations in Mubende, Luwero residents are still waiting for the promised compensation,” Nabukenya lamented.
State Minister for Luwero-Rwenzori Alice Kaboyo defended the government, stating that efforts to rehabilitate monuments are ongoing, with 18 of the 33 sites already renovated. She also noted that compensation efforts have benefited over 85,000 individuals since 2009.
Other ruling party MPs applauded the NRM’s achievements, with Kassambya County MP David Kabanda emphasizing Mubende’s historical significance in the NRM’s liberation struggle. Kabanda highlighted the district’s infrastructural and health advancements, including hosting a regional referral hospital.
Bukanga County MP Steven Kangwagye praised the Parish Development Model as a transformative initiative aimed at uplifting 39 percent of the population from subsistence farming.
“Uganda is the first country in Africa to directly take money to its citizens. The PDM, where 100 people per parish receive UGX 1 million annually, is a testament to the NRM’s commitment to economic empowerment,” Kangwagye stated.
As the country prepares for Liberation Day celebrations, the debate underscores the deep divisions in Parliament over the NRM’s legacy and its impact on Uganda’s development. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
