By James Katokye | Political Analyst
The political atmosphere in Sironko District has recently been shaken by serious concerns surrounding the conduct of Hon. Nambozo Florence Wamala, the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs. As a senior leader within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), she is expected to embody the party’s principles of unity, transparency, and loyalty. However, her recent actions have left many questioning whether she is upholding these values.
Reports suggest that during her campaign for the NRM district chairperson position, Hon. Nambozo allegedly engaged in practices that have raised ethical concerns among party members. Witnesses claim that she met with youth groups in Budadiri East and West, offering financial incentives reportedly linked to another political figure, Hon. Nandala Mafabi. This approach, repeated among special interest groups, appears to have sown confusion and weakened cohesion at the grassroots level of the party.
More troubling are the allegations that a video exists showing Hon. Nambozo endorsing Hon. Nandala Mafabi, encouraging voters to base their choices on personal ties rather than party ideals. If accurate, such behavior undermines the core of party discipline and unity. The dissonance between her public pledges of unity and these alleged covert actions raises legitimate concerns about political double standards.
It is essential to remember that party leadership demands consistency—not only in speech but also in conduct. There is a growing perception among the NRM faithful that Hon. Nambozo may be using her current political challenges to frame herself as a victim of internal rivalry, potentially to position herself for the Woman MP flagbearer seat. While it is her democratic right to seek election, any strategy built on division and manipulation risks eroding public trust and weakening the party from within.
Leaders must be held to a higher standard. Being appointed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is not only an honor but a responsibility to uphold and defend the values of the party. The emerging concerns, if substantiated, represent a betrayal of that responsibility.
At this critical juncture, the NRM in Sironko must reflect carefully. Is the party being served by leaders who prioritize personal ambition over collective progress? The strength of the NRM has always been its ability to self-correct and uphold its foundational values. As such, any conduct that threatens its unity must be scrutinized and addressed with integrity.
In the end, the party’s survival depends not on rhetoric, but on action—truthful, ethical, and transparent. The people of Sironko deserve leadership that reflects these ideals.