Fear, Gunshots and Political Betrayal: The Untold Story Behind Nameere’s Arrest

Fresh drama has engulfed Uganda’s already tense race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament after Masaka Woman MP Justine Nameere was reportedly arrested on Friday evening under unclear circumstances, with sources linking the incident to the escalating political battle between supporters of Speaker Anita Among and Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth.

Well-placed sources familiar with the matter say Nameere’s arrest followed allegations that she had issued threats targeting guests expected to attend Oboth-Oboth’s swearing-in dinner scheduled for Saturday. The dinner comes after Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly endorsed Oboth-Oboth for the powerful Speaker position in the 12th Parliament.

Nameere, a vocal supporter of Among, is also accused of attempting to discourage Members of Parliament from attending the event, which has increasingly become a symbol of the widening divisions within the ruling political establishment.

The developments appear to have rattled camps aligned to the incumbent Speaker. Shortly after news of the arrest emerged, Anita Among reportedly suspended her own swearing-in dinner that had also been scheduled for Saturday. No alternative date has been communicated.

The circumstances surrounding Nameere’s arrest remain heavily disputed, with conflicting accounts emerging from family members, witnesses and security-linked sources.

Her husband, Kennedy Nsubuga, confirmed to journalists that the legislator was arrested on Friday evening. Speaking emotionally to the media, Nsubuga claimed the operation involved armed personnel and turned chaotic within minutes.

According to him, Nameere was travelling with an “SFC” escort who was allegedly assaulted during the confrontation and disarmed.

“Nsubuga said Nameere had an ‘SFC’ escort who was beaten and had his gun taken away,” one account of his remarks stated.

He further claimed that police officers were present at the scene during the arrest operation.

Nsubuga said he fled after gunfire erupted between Nameere’s bodyguard and the officers carrying out the arrest.

“He said he regrets not staying behind to fight for his wife but noted that their children also needed protection at home,” according to statements he made while addressing reporters.

In an emotional appeal, Nsubuga called on President Yoweri Museveni to intervene and stop what he described as “the mafia” targeting some of the President’s loyal supporters.

Another witness offered a dramatic version of events, alleging that military officers emerged from what was described as a “drone” vehicle shortly after gunshots rang out as Nameere exited her car.

The witness claimed the vehicle carrying the armed men first rammed into Nameere’s vehicle before security personnel forcefully picked her up.

At the time of the incident, Nameere was reportedly heading toward Liberation Square in Masaka City after completing a celebratory drive through the city following her swearing-in activities.

Sources further indicate that she was later picked up from Tropic Inn late Friday night and transported to an undisclosed location, raising fresh concerns among her supporters over her whereabouts and legal status.

The incident comes amid worsening tensions between Nameere and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), particularly its Secretary General Daudi Kabanda.

The fallout reportedly intensified after PLU withdrew support for Anita Among’s Speakership bid and instead shifted its endorsement to Oboth-Oboth, deepening cracks within factions previously seen as politically aligned.

Nameere has remained firmly in Among’s corner, publicly backing the incumbent Speaker even as the political arithmetic around the Speakership race continues to shift.

Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also chairs PLU, had earlier issued a warning on social media directed at unnamed women, cautioning them against becoming overly involved or “excited” in the ongoing political manoeuvres surrounding the Speaker contest.

The arrest of Nameere is now likely to intensify speculation about the growing power struggles shaping Uganda’s next Parliament, especially as rival camps mobilise ahead of key leadership decisions expected in the coming days.