SWORDS OUT! Namyalo to Opposition: ‘Settle 4 M7’ or Quit—Bobi Wine Targeted in “Bare Knuckles” Speech

Uganda’s opposition in the run-up to next year’s general elections, is in hot soup if events yesterday are something to go by.

In a fiery press address, Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, the National Coordinator of the Bazzukulu fraternity and Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, called on Ugandans to “settle for the best” by overwhelmingly re-electing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the upcoming general elections.

The statement, which received thunderous applause with every line as the Manager of the Office of the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) spoke to thousands who gathered at the Kyambogo office, Hajjat Namyalo praised Museveni’s leadership while stinging opposition figures, particularly Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine.

Thursday’s events set the stage to what could be a political “rumble in the jungle” as Ugandans ready themselves to cast their votes.

Defending Museveni’s Legacy

While explaining the need to “Settle For Museveni,” Namyalo highlighted Museveni’s role in transforming Uganda from a “peasant society” in 1986, with a GDP of $5 billion, to a lower-middle-income economy boasting a $49 billion GDP today. She credited the president for fostering regional peace, advancing education through Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE), and reviving cultural institutions like the Buganda Kingdom, which had been abolished under previous regimes.

“President Museveni is a tried and tested leader, a brand owned not only by Ugandans but by East Africa and the entire continent,” Namyalo roared, urging citizens to reject what she termed “forceful transitions” orchestrated by anti-Movement forces.

Although President Museveni has not announced publicly that he will be seeking re-election, consensus in the ruling party is that the son of Kaguta will throw his hat in the ring again to extended his reign that begun with him taking power following a protracted five-year bush war.

Hajjat Stings Bobi Wine and Opposition

The address took a combative turn as Namyalo accused Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), of spreading “false propaganda” to serve foreign interests. She criticized him for allegedly promoting tribalism, undermining government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), and failing to uplift impoverished regions such as Busoga, Teso, and Karamoja.

“While you build multi-billion houses and vacation abroad, Ugandans are benefiting from Museveni’s policies,” Namyalo charged, questioning Wine’s contributions compared to NRM’s empowerment initiatives. She also dismissed claims of instability, asserting that Uganda is on a steadfast path to socio-economic transformation.

Appeal for Pan-Africanism and Unity

Namyalo framed the upcoming election as an important moment for Uganda’s democracy, patriotism, and Pan-Africanism. She warned against “foreign-funded schemes” aimed at destabilizing the country and called for unity to preserve Museveni’s vision of a “self-sustaining Africa.”

She was also full of praise for the First Lady Janet Museveni for her role in education and youth empowerment, reiterating the NRM’s narrative of continuity and progress.