A fresh political storm is brewing after Bukoto Central Member of Parliament Richard Ssebamala publicly turned his guns on Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for Buganda Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi.
Ssebamala, who is also a member of the Democratic Party (DP), criticized the two opposition leaders over what he described as their persistent public attacks on President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Speaking during a recent interview, Ssebamala argued that Kivumbi, who was recently released on bail after spending months on remand, should have exercised restraint instead of immediately launching fresh criticism against Gen Muhoozi. Kivumbi was granted bail by the International Crimes Division in a high-profile case before returning to his political activities.
According to Ssebamala, political leaders should avoid making personal attacks that could escalate tensions.
“It is not right for someone who has just come out of prison to immediately begin insulting the Chief of Defence Forces,” Ssebamala said, adding that Gen Muhoozi is “also a human being” who can become angered when subjected to repeated public criticism.
The outspoken legislator further said he was not surprised when Gen Muhoozi recently used his X account to express his displeasure with Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, including suggesting that Ssenyonyi should no longer occupy the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. The comments came amid an increasingly heated political exchange between government supporters and opposition leaders.
Ssebamala maintained that while political competition is expected in a democracy, leaders should remain respectful when addressing state officials, warning that inflammatory rhetoric only deepens divisions within the country’s political landscape.
His remarks come at a time when relations between the ruling establishment and the opposition remain highly strained, with Kivumbi emerging as one of the most vocal critics of the government following his release on bail. His recent speeches targeting the First Family have attracted widespread political attention and sparked renewed debate across Uganda’s political scene.