By Our Reporter
The State Minister for Local Government and Masaka City Woman Member of Parliament, Justine Nameere, is facing public scrutiny following allegations by some residents, suppliers and service providers that she has not settled outstanding payments for goods and services allegedly provided during previous political and community activities.
The allegations were raised during a recent community engagement in Masaka attended by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, where several individuals publicly appealed for payment of what they described as long-standing debts.
Among those who spoke was Namwere Sissy, a coffee seedling supplier, who alleged that she supplied coffee seedlings worth approximately UGX 150 million for distribution under earlier agricultural initiatives associated with Nameere. She claimed that despite repeated requests for payment, the outstanding amount has not been settled.
The supplier further alleged that the seedlings were delivered and distributed to intended beneficiaries, but efforts to recover payment had not been successful.
A video circulating on social media also shows individuals making similar claims regarding the alleged unpaid coffee seedling supply. Swift News has not independently verified the allegations contained in the video.
Beyond the coffee seedling claims, several individuals identifying themselves as printing service providers and vehicle owners have also alleged that they have not been paid for campaign materials and transport services they say they provided during Nameere’s political campaigns.
The allegations have generated public discussion in Masaka, with some residents questioning whether the minister should publicly address the claims. Others argued that public officials should demonstrate accountability in both their official and personal dealings.
Several residents who spoke during the engagement called on the minister to respond to the allegations and clarify her position.
Political observers say such allegations, if left unanswered, can affect public confidence in elected leaders, particularly those serving in positions responsible for promoting accountability and good governance. However, they also note that the claims remain allegations unless substantiated through appropriate legal or administrative processes.
The latest claims have also renewed public attention on previous matters involving Nameere.
In May this year, shortly after she was declared winner of the Masaka City Woman Member of Parliament race following a vote recount, Nameere was briefly taken into security custody after her convoy was intercepted in Masaka.
At the time, Nameere maintained that the incident resulted from false intelligence reports, adding that the matter was later clarified following the intervention of President Yoweri Museveni. No criminal charges were brought against her in connection with that incident.
Public records also show that in 2019 Nameere was involved in a civil dispute relating to an alleged debt involving a motor vehicle reportedly used as collateral for a commercial loan. The matter proceeded through court processes at the time.
As discussion over the latest allegations continues, some residents have called on the minister to publicly respond to the claims and clarify whether any outstanding obligations exist.
Swift News was unable to obtain Minister Nameere’s response before publication. This story will be updated if she or her representatives provide a comment.
This version is stronger from a legal perspective because it consistently attributes allegations, avoids presenting disputed claims as fact, includes a fairness statement indicating that a response was sought or unavailable, and clearly distinguishes verified events from unverified allegations. If you later receive Minister Nameere’s response, the story should be updated to include it prominently.
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