NRM turns heat on Buganda caucus

The NRM Caucus is mounting pressure on the chairperson of the Buganda Caucus, Mr Godfrey Kiwanda, and his deputy Betty Nambooze as part of the wider government efforts seeking to pacify Parliament.

Sources at the just-concluded NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi told the Daily Monitor last week that the Buganda Caucus MPs loyal to President Museveni’s government met on the sidelines of the NRM caucus and resolved to move a vote of no confidence against the two caucus leaders.

The sources said the meeting resolved to use NRM’s numerical strength to install Kyamuswa MP, Mr Tim Lwanga to be deputised by Ms Ann Nankabirwa, the Woman MP for Kyankwanzi, whom they said are moderate and more loyal to the party.

However, such a resolution is likely to divide the Buganda Caucus since Buganda MPs from the opposition have not complained against their leaders.
The meeting planned by Kiboga Woman MP Ruth Nankabirwa (Fisheries minister) accused Mr Kiwanda of leading a recall petition which was contrary to President Museveni’s views.

The President personally reportedly called up some MPs and discouraged them from signing a petition to recall Parliament to discuss the impasse between Parliament and the Executive over the death of Butaleja Women MP Cerinah Nebanda.

Mr Kiwanda was also blamed for campaigning for an opposition MP for Bukoto South, Mr Mathias Nsubuga, who belongs to the DP.
Sources close to Mr Kiwanda said the MPs appeared unmoved and reportedly put up a spirited fight, adding that whatever he did was within public interest.

Mr Kiwanda, who replaced the Minister for Luwero, Ms Rose Namayanja, advised his colleagues to present their issues to the general assembly of the Buganda Caucus. He declined to divulge the details of the meeting but said the NRM MPs were tough on him, insisting he should always support government programmes.

Ms Nambooze said she had received similar information from the Kyankwanzi retreat and warned NRM Buganda members against dividing the Buganda Caucus.

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