Defending the Speaker, Nameere argued that Among has several wealthy associates and that receiving an expensive gift should not come as a surprise to the public.
Masaka Woman Member of Parliament-elect Justine Nameere has defended Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among over public criticism surrounding a recently surfaced Rolls Royce, saying the luxury vehicle was not purchased by the Speaker but was instead given to her as a gift.
Speaking in a video message targeting Kasambya Member of Parliament David Kabanda, Nameere claimed the over sh3.7bn luxurious car was presented to Among during her birthday celebrations in November last year and had remained parked in the Speaker’s basement for a long time.
Nameere, however, did not disclose the identity of the person who allegedly gifted the vehicle.
According to her, Kabanda was present when the Rolls Royce arrived in Uganda and took photographs of it at the time.
Her remarks came shortly after Kabanda, who also serves as the Secretary General of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), held a press conference announcing that the political group had withdrawn its endorsement of Among in the forthcoming Speakership race.
Nameere accused Kabanda of spearheading a campaign aimed at portraying the Speaker as corrupt in order to damage her public image and weaken her political standing.
She further alleged that Kabanda expected Among to panic and offer him money in exchange for regaining PLU’s support.
According to Nameere, the photographs of the Rolls Royce were deliberately taken for future blackmail purposes.
She also claimed that Kabanda later shared the images with Justice Minister Norbert Mao, whom she linked to the Speakership contest, so they could allegedly be used to discredit Among.
Defending the Speaker, Nameere argued that Among has several wealthy associates and that receiving an expensive gift should not come as a surprise to the public.
Among the individuals she mentioned were Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and Captain Alexander Olukayode Ajibade, the father of Nigerian musician Mr Eazi. Ajibade is a retired Nigerian Air Force Squadron Leader and formerly served as a private pilot for ex-Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Nameere also questioned Kabanda’s opposition to Among despite what she described as previous support he had received from the Speaker.
She claimed Among had once pushed for Kabanda’s appointment as a parliamentary commissioner, but President Yoweri Museveni reportedly rejected the proposal on grounds of competence.
According to Nameere, the late former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah had also previously attempted to back Kabanda for the same position, but the NRM Central Executive Committee allegedly declined to endorse him.
Kabanda promised to give his response in regards to Nameere’s allegations today.
