Masaka — A group of National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders from Greater Masaka have petitioned President Yoweri Museveni to remove State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere from cabinet, accusing her of repeatedly belittling Buganda and undermining the region’s cultural and political interests.
The appeal, which surfaced publicly on Monday, marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the outspoken minister and sections of the ruling party’s local leadership in a region long considered an opposition stronghold. Nameere, who also serves as Woman Member of Parliament for Masaka City, has drawn both praise and criticism for her confrontational style since her elevation to cabinet in May 2026.
According to local party figures, the leaders accuse Nameere of making remarks and taking positions that demean Buganda’s institutions, culture, and people. They claim her approach has strained relations within NRM structures in Masaka and risked alienating voters who remain sensitive to issues of regional identity and respect for the Kabaka and the Buganda Kingdom.
One circulating video clip shows an agitated NRM supporter in yellow party colours speaking passionately alongside other leaders, reflecting the depth of frustration among some grassroots cadres. The petition calls on Museveni to “contain” or outright sack the minister, arguing that her continued presence in government is damaging the party’s recovery efforts in the area.
Nameere has dismissed earlier similar complaints as products of jealousy over her rapid rise and close working relationship with the President. A former journalist and lawyer, she first gained national attention as a television host before entering elective politics. She won the Masaka City Woman MP seat after a contentious recount and was appointed State Minister for Local Government shortly afterwards — a move widely interpreted as a strong endorsement from Museveni.
The President has previously defended her publicly, describing her as “cantankerous” and “famous for quarrelling,” qualities he said made her useful in holding officials to account. In March 2026 he met NRM leaders in Masaka at a gathering organised by Nameere and praised her initiative while urging leaders to focus on service delivery rather than internal squabbles.
Yet frictions have persisted. Nameere has clashed with local officials and party colleagues on issues ranging from corruption allegations to election processes. In one recent incident captured on video, Minister Balaam Barugahara had to intervene when she was confronted on stage in Masaka during an anti-corruption-related engagement.
Greater Masaka remains politically sensitive territory for the NRM. The region has historically leaned towards the opposition, and the party has invested heavily in trying to expand its support base. Local leaders argue that Nameere’s style — while effective at mobilising some supporters — has instead deepened divisions and given ammunition to critics who claim the NRM does not respect Buganda.
As of Tuesday morning, State House had not issued an official response to the latest petition. Nameere herself had not publicly commented on the specific demand for her removal.
The development adds another layer of intrigue to Uganda’s ruling party dynamics ahead of the next political cycle. Museveni has repeatedly emphasised unity and delivery over internal fights, but the Masaka petition shows that personal and regional grievances continue to surface even among his own cadres.
Whether the President will act on the call remains unclear. What is certain is that Justine Nameere’s high-profile, no-holds-barred approach has made her both a polarising figure and a test case for how far the NRM is prepared to tolerate internal dissent in Buganda.
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