Minister of State-designate for Local Government Justine Nameere Nsubuga has pledged to intensify the fight against corruption and ensure government programmes deliver tangible results to citizens following her appearance before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists at Parliament after vetting by the committee chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, the Masaka District Woman Member of Parliament, popularly known as “Commander 001,” said her focus would be on improving accountability and strengthening service delivery at the local government level.
“My fight is to help the country, work with the minister and the technical wing, and even Parliament to make sure we have government programmes that actually work, that are alive and seen,” she said.
“You should be able to go back to your parish and actually tell a difference, that there is bigger spending power, more people working, more women in business, more people in commercial agriculture. The results must be seen.”
Nameere said corruption remains the biggest obstacle to effective service delivery, particularly in local revenue collection systems.
“The elephant in the room is corruption. Revenues at cities, districts and divisions are being underdeclared. A city collecting Shs 1.7 billion, a town clerk will say they are collecting about Shs 20 million. That is a huge leakage,” she said.
She added that such leakages undermine statutory revenue-sharing mechanisms provided for under the Local Government framework.
Addressing concerns about her leadership style, Nameere described herself as outspoken and committed to confronting wrongdoing regardless of resistance.
“I know some people are overwhelmed by my energy but you will get used, don’t worry. Just as you got used to the likes of Miria Matembe,” she said.
Born to former Defence Minister Vincent Ssempijja, Nameere’s political career began in 2015 when she won the position of vice chairperson of the National Resistance Movement Youth League in Kalungu District.
She later contested several parliamentary positions, including Bukoto East, which she lost, before eventually securing the Masaka City Woman Member of Parliament seat following a court-ordered recount in 2026.
The recount reversed earlier results that had declared National Unity Platform candidate Rose Nalubowa the winner, after disputes over missing polling station results led to a court-ordered verification of ballots.
The decision, however, sparked legal controversy, with lawyers arguing that the process violated provisions of the Parliamentary Elections Act and established judicial precedent on handling tampered ballot boxes.
Court proceedings reportedly revealed irregularities, including broken seals and discrepancies in ballot boxes, though the magistrate proceeded with the recount, stating that justice required completion of the process.
The ruling triggered debate within legal and governance circles, with the Uganda Law Society warning that the decision could create risks for electoral integrity.
“If this decision is allowed to stand, it creates a loophole that can be abused to distort election outcomes,” said Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe.
Judiciary spokesperson Eremye Mawanda said parties dissatisfied with the ruling retained the right to appeal.
The controversy was further amplified after President Yoweri Museveni publicly referenced the dispute, saying he had intervened after receiving complaints of electoral malpractice.
The President said he acted after Nameere personally raised concerns at his Rwakitura residence, leading to administrative changes within electoral and police structures and ultimately a recount.
The Uganda Law Society later criticised the President’s involvement, arguing it undermined constitutional principles and judicial independence.
Despite the controversy surrounding her electoral journey, Nameere has now been appointed Minister of State for Local Government in the 2026–2031 Cabinet, where she will serve under Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi.
In her new role, she says her priority will be sealing revenue leakages and ensuring that local governments deliver visible improvements in services, jobs and household incomes.
