Mawokota South Member of Parliament and Opposition Leader in Parliament, Gorreth Namugga, has expressed concerns over a recent meeting between President Museveni and a group of opposition MPs, saying such engagements threaten established channels for structured political dialogue.
Speaking on NBS Barometer on Tuesday, Namugga said she was unconvinced that the discussions at State House Entebbe served the long-term interests of the opposition or the nation.
“I welcome my brother, Latif Ssebaggala, back from the meeting with Gen Museveni. However, I do not believe their agenda aligns with his interests,” Namugga said.
She criticised what she described as the informal management of national affairs, arguing that Uganda has formal platforms designed to facilitate inclusive political engagement.
“Uganda is being managed informally, like a WhatsApp group, despite having structured mechanisms for dialogue. We have platforms like IPOD. So what happened to IPOD and the Inter-Religious Council?” she asked.
Her comments come amid heightened debate within opposition ranks following last week’s meeting between President Museveni and a delegation of MPs, led by Mawokota South MP Yusuf Nsibambi (FDC).
Other participants included Okot Bitek (Kioga County, FDC), Moses Kabusu (Kyamuswa County, PFF), Roland Ndyomugyenyi (Rukiga County), Fred Kayondo (Mukono South, DP), Richard Lumu (Mityana South, DP), and former Kawempe North MP Latif Ssebagala Ssengendo.
In an interview with NBS Television on Friday, Nsibambi said the talks focused on easing post-election political tensions, promoting peace and fostering national stability.
“The talks were about easing political tensions and promoting unity for development and stability,” he said.
Nsibambi disclosed that the delegation raised concerns over the detention of individuals linked to political activity, urging President Museveni to consider pardoning hundreds of political detainees.
They also requested an independent review of the continued detention of Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, the Buganda Deputy President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and MP for Butambala County.
However, Nsibambi’s unilateral decision to engage the President without wider consultation has drawn criticism from parts of the opposition, who say it undermines collective decision-making.
Responding to the criticism, Nsibambi defended his actions, insisting that he acted independently and in the national interest.
“No one sent me. I am an elected MP, and I will engage with whoever I believe is necessary for the good of my constituents and the country,” he said.
