By Investigator
Security operatives have reportedly recovered Shs3.5 billion in cash from the Kampala based residence of newly elected Masaka City Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Justine Nameere, according to highly placed security sources.
The sources claim the money was allegedly intended for political mobilization linked to the anticipated race for Speaker of Parliament.
Investigators are said to be examining allegations that the funds originated from individuals associated with embattled Speaker Anita Annet Among, who is reportedly seeking support among Members of Parliament ahead of the contest.
“We received intelligence that Hon. Nameere was coordinating a parallel political operation on Saturday,” a senior security source said. “This raised suspicion, especially because all NRM MPs had been invited to attend the thanksgiving ceremony of State Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth in Mukono.”
The source added that security agencies acted after receiving information from internal operatives monitoring political activities within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
However, the claims could not be independently verified. The developments also come amid reports that President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday advised Speaker Among to abandon her reported ambitions of retaining the speakership during a meeting with senior ruling party officials.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Hon. Nameere were unsuccessful, as her known telephone contacts were unavailable by the time of publication. Nameere, daughter of former Defence Minister Vincent Ssempijja, has recently been at the center of heated political exchanges. Prior to the reported security operation, she engaged in a public verbal clash with Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General Robert Kabanda.
Kabanda had earlier announced that the PLU had withdrawn its support for Speaker Among, a move that triggered sharp reactions from Among’s perceived allies, including Nameere. Security officials declined to reveal whether any arrests had been made or whether formal charges are being considered. Investigations into the source and intended use of the money are said to be ongoing. Political observers say the latest developments highlight growing tensions and behind-the-scenes maneuvering ahead of the expected contest for key parliamentary leadership positions within the ruling party.