By Aggrey Baba
Minister of State for Finance, Hon. Evelyn Anite, has publicly expressed regret for her past remarks and actions, acknowledging that they contributed to the erosion of her support from the Ugandan people.
In a recent post on social media, Anite admitted that her earlier behavior, driven by ambition and a desire to protect herself, led to a disconnect with the very people she was meant to serve.
“When I was below 40, I didn’t care whose feelings I was hurting with my words and actions. All that mattered to me was self-protection,” Anite shared. “That’s why I could say words like ‘we have the majje’ even when I didn’t know the meaning of the word, let alone understand its impact.”
The term “majje,” meaning “army,” became notorious during the 2017 “Togikwatako” saga when the NRM sought to remove the presidential age limit from Uganda’s Constitution. Anite, in a bid to assert her party’s position, declared, “we have the majje,” signaling that the NRM had the support of the military to push through the controversial amendment. This bold statement, however, alienated many Ugandans who viewed it as an overreach of power.
Her unapologetic stance in the face of fierce opposition contributed to her growing disconnect from her constituents.
In the 2020 NRM primaries, Anite lost her seat as the Member of Parliament for Koboko Municipality, a position she had held for nearly a decade. The defeat was widely attributed to her controversial remarks and the waning public support for her brand of politics.
“I now realize that the very people I sought to defend and protect were the ones I hurt the most,” Anite reflected in her post. “I failed to understand the importance of connecting with the people, listening to their concerns, and speaking with humility.”
Anite’s public admission comes at a time when her influence has significantly diminished, both within her party and among the wider Ugandan population. Once a rising star in the NRM, her support has steadily declined due to her confrontational rhetoric and perceived disconnect from the everyday struggles of ordinary Ugandans.
Despite her regrets, Anite remains in her role as State Minister for Finance, overseeing Privatization and Investment.
However, her tenure has been marked by controversy, including the abrupt termination of a concession agreement with Tibet Hima Mining Company and strained diplomatic relations over key projects. These incidents, coupled with her earlier remarks, have left many questioning her political future.
In her post, it’s clear, that while the lioness of Koboko can’t undo the past, she is committed to learning from her mistakes. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
