The Minister for Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, has encountered significant backlash from the residents of Busoga following her expression of regret during the 38th NRM Liberation Day celebrations at Wakitaka playground. The Minister publicly apologized on behalf of the people of Busoga for the perceived underperformance of the Party in the 2021 elections.
Addressing the President, Milly Babalanda stated, “Mr. President, the people of Busoga have requested me to extend their apologies for their actions in the previous elections. We sincerely regret the outcome, and they have assured that in 2026, there will be a change.” However, this statement has not been well-received by a segment of the public, leading to widespread criticism on various social media platforms and local radio stations.
Concerned citizens are now seeking clarification on the circumstances surrounding the apology, with inquiries into the individuals responsible for convening the meeting where the purported apology from the people of Busoga took place. Many are adamant that Milly Babalanda, being a native of the region, should issue a clarification and perhaps an apology to the constituents for her remarks that are deemed as unwarranted.
Pastor Andrew Muwanguzi, the Head of Training and Theology at the National Unity Platform, has offered insights into the voting patterns of the Busoga subregion. He highlighted the economic challenges faced by the Basoga, emphasizing the impact of political interference on their primary cash crop, sugarcane. Muwanguzi contends that the 2021 vote for change was a response to the adverse conditions experienced by the people, and he anticipates a similar sentiment in 2026.
In the 2021 Presidential election, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu secured victory in nine out of the eleven districts in the Busoga subregion, surprising NRM leaders and supporters who were accustomed to President Museveni’s majority votes in the area. Despite the notable success for NUP in the presidential race, the Party secured only one Member of Parliament, Manjeri Kyabakuttika, representing Jinja City, and two Mayors, Peter Kasolo of Jinja City and Bamu Lulenzi of Iganga Municipality.
In response to the developments, President Museveni has declared his intention to conduct a regional tour in the Busoga subregion, underscoring the significance of addressing the concerns and sentiments expressed by the electorate.
