Namutumba, Uganda – State Minister for Lands Hon. Persis Namuganza is at the center of fresh controversy following allegations that she physically assaulted the returning officer for Namutumba District after losing the NRM parliamentary flag bearer election for Bukono County.
The alleged incident occurred shortly after the returning officer declared Namuganza’s opponent as the winner of the hotly contested primary, sparking what is being described as a violent outburst from the minister.
The returning officer alleged that Minister Namuganza kicked him in the leg during a heated confrontation.
“She kicked me here,” the officer said, pointing to his leg. “She said I had betrayed her, yet I was simply announcing the result as counted.”
As of today afternoon, the NRM Electoral Commission (EC) had not released an official statement regarding the incident.
However, insiders say the matter is being reviewed through the party’s Disputes Tribunal, which is currently overwhelmed with numerous petitions from across the country over alleged electoral malpractices.
Minister Namuganza has not publicly responded to the assault allegations. If proven, the incident could carry serious legal and disciplinary consequences, both within the party and at a national level.
This is not Namuganza’s first brush with controversy. In recent years, she has been involved in several public disputes, including with fellow leaders from the Busoga sub-region. Her combative political style has earned her both strong supporters and vocal critics within the ruling party.
Meanwhile, Namutumba District Woman MP Mariam Naigaga, who emerged victorious in the same primaries, has weighed in on the growing tension.
Naigaga said the NRM Electoral Commission has a clear process for handling grievances.
“Whoever feels aggrieved by my victory should petition the NRM Disputes Tribunal,” she said.
“NRM remains strong in Namutumba, which was the best-performing district for President Museveni in the past elections. This time, we will deliver 99.9% for the President.”
Naigaga dismissed the accusations against her and other primary winners as being made by selfish individuals.
The incident in Namutumba joins a string of chaotic episodes that have marred the 2025 NRM party primaries, where vote rigging, violence, and irregularities have been reported in Jinja, Kamuli, Mbale, Gulu, and several other districts.
Observers warn that the internal turmoil could affect the party’s unity ahead of the 2026 general elections, with grassroots supporters increasingly frustrated by allegations of favoritism and manipulation.
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