Opposition MP Betty Nambooze has strongly rebuked Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, following remarks praising President Yoweri Museveni for personally approving nearly Shs 1 billion (~$270,000 USD) in public funds for Nambooze’s medical treatment in the United States.
The controversy erupted during Museveni’s campaign rally in Mukono District on January 3–4, 2026, ahead of the 2026 general elections. Speaker Among highlighted the funding—including travel for Nambooze’s husband and an assistant—as an example of Museveni’s “big heart,” despite
Nambooze being a vocal critic of the president and the ruling NRM party, Among framed the gesture as evidence of the president’s generosity, implying ingratitude on Nambooze’s part for continuing to oppose him.
In response, Nambooze dismissed Among’s comments as politically motivated and inappropriate. “Even a poor person in the village knows that if you get bitten by a neighbour’s dog, it’s the dog’s owner who treats you. I was beaten in Parliament by the government security operatives commanded by Frank Mwesigwa during the age-limit debate in 2017. They used taxpayers’ money to pay for my treatment after the security operatives broke my spine, and you dare to say it was Museveni’s money!” Nambooze exclaimed.
She further criticised Among for welcoming Museveni in Buganda region rallies, questioning why someone from Bukedea was representing local interests in Mukono. “In Mukono, President Museveni used to be welcomed by Baganda or people of Mukono themselves. How come it is now you, someone from Bukedea, welcoming him in Buganda?” Nambooze asked.
Observers noted that Nambooze’s medical treatment—including earlier visits to India and the United States—was required for spinal injuries and peripheral neuropathy sustained during the 2017 parliamentary scuffle over the controversial age-limit bill. Such medical support, often provided through parliamentary insurance schemes or special approvals, is not unique to Nambooze and extends to MPs across party lines.
Political analysts say this exchange highlights Uganda’s increasingly polarised political climate ahead of the 2026 elections, with state support to opposition figures being leveraged as campaign talking points. No official response from President Museveni regarding the remarks has been reported as of January 5, 2026.
