Former Minister of Water and NRM candidate for Mukono North, Ronald Kibuule, has fired back at opposition legislator Betty Nambooze, accusing her of hypocrisy and double standards in her criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s long stay in power.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Namasumbi Village, Kyampisi Sub-county, Kibuule said it was “dishonest” for Nambooze to attack the President for overstaying in leadership when she herself has been in politics for years without offering tangible change.
“She shouldn’t use overstay as a weapon against this regime when she has also failed to serve as an example,” Kibuule told supporters.
The former minister’s remarks came in response to comments made by Nambooze during the nomination of opposition candidate Mulimamayuni, where she reportedly claimed to have supported Kibuule’s education before he joined the NRM camp.
Kibuule dismissed the claims as “pure lies,” saying Nambooze was living a “miserable life” at the time and lacked the means to support anyone. He argued that the government she now criticises had played a significant role in transforming her life.
“When she says she paid my school fees, I wonder how. At that time, she was struggling to make ends meet. In fact, this government has done more for her than she admits — including funding her treatment abroad at a cost of over Shs 3 billion,” Kibuule claimed.
He further alleged that Nambooze continues to benefit from government support through various channels while pretending to be an ardent critic.
“All opposition members, including Nambooze and Mayuuni, receive government money behind closed doors. They should be grateful, not bitter,” he added.
In a sharp dig that drew laughter from the crowd, Kibuule claimed the government’s generosity had even enabled Nambooze to “afford cosmetic surgery,” joking about a past parliamentary incident involving her artificial enhancement.
Political analysts have since weighed in, advising Nambooze to “tone down on personal attacks” and focus on issue-based politics. One analyst, who preferred anonymity, said the legislator should instead use her life story to inspire young people rather than engaging in political feuds.
“She rose from a humble background, even selling banana leaves in Mukono town. That’s the story she should tell,” the analyst said.
The heated exchange between the two Mukono political heavyweights sets the stage for a dramatic contest.
