KAMPALA – Hajjat Hadija Namyalo Uzeiye, the head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), has come under intense public scrutiny following the extravagant celebration of her son’s fifth birthday.
The centrepiece of the celebration for young Rayan was a brand-new Jetour T2, a luxury SUV valued at approximately Shs230 million ($60,000). Footage circulating on social media shows the high-end vehicle, adorned with ribbons, being presented as a birthday gift to the five-year-old.
Social Media Firestorm
The gift has triggered a massive wave of reactions across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where Ugandans have expressed a mix of shock and indignation.
Prominent media personality MC Kats was among the first to post about the event, questioning the staggering cost of the vehicle. Meanwhile, Hon. Mwesigye Frank took a sharper tone, contrasting the luxury purchase with the economic struggles of ordinary Ugandans.
“Ugandans, especially those who are struggling and those fighting corruption, this is to let you know that Uzeiye Hadijah Namyalo… has bought her son, Rayan, a brand-new Jetour T2 worth $60,000,” Mwesigye posted, further fueling questions regarding the income levels and financial transparency of top political appointees.
Questions Over Funding
The controversy has reignited a broader debate regarding the funding and expenditure of the Office of the National Chairman. While the ONC is a political wing of the ruling NRM party, the visibility of such high-value personal spending by its head has led critics to demand more clarity on the office’s budget and the sources of such personal wealth.
Adding to the discussion are separate reports of Hajjat Namyalo gifting a Mercedes-Benz GLE Troupe, valued at $75,000 (approx. Shs285m), to media personality Bogere Abdullah.
A Growing Trend?
This incident is the latest in a series of social media displays of wealth by government-linked figures that have drawn backlash from a public grappling with rising living costs and gaps in service delivery.
As of Monday morning, Hajjat Namyalo had not yet issued an official statement regarding the social media reports. However, supporters of the ONC head often argue that her personal finances are separate from her official duties and that her generosity toward family and associates should not be politicised.
For now, the image of a five-year-old with a Shs230 million car remains a polarising symbol of the wealth gap in Uganda’s political landscape.
