Hundreds of people gathered at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Parish in Kyazanga, Lwengo District on Sunday to participate in a special thanksgiving ceremony for area woman legislator Cissy Namujju.
Namujju had recently been released on bail following charges related to budget corruption.
Political Figures in Attendance
Dressed in a white gomesi, Namujju was joined by several prominent politicians, including State Minister for Microfinance Haruna Kasolo, Bukoto West legislator Muhammad Ssentaayi, and Budaka District woman legislator Pamela Nasiyo Kamugo.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the event faced opposition from Ms. Justine Nameere, Senior Presidential Advisor on Greater Masaka Affairs, who had earlier sought to block the ceremony.
Controversy Surrounding the Ceremony
Ms. Nameere had petitioned the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to prevent the function, arguing that it was premature since Namujju was still under prosecution.
In her August 8 petition to Brig Gen Henry Isoke, head of the anti-corruption unit, Nameere stated, “We write to you as patriotic Ugandans under our campaign ‘Wacha Wewe, Stop Corruption,’ where we make all needed efforts to stand in solidarity with President Museveni in his spirited fight against corruption.” She also urged local police to intervene, but her efforts were unsuccessful.
Namujju’s Legal Struggles and Bail
Namujju, along with two other legislators—Paul Akamba (Busiki County, Namutumba) and Yusuf Mutembuli (Bunyole East, Butaleja District)—was granted bail by the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court after spending 55 days in Luzira Prison.
However, Akamba remained in custody due to separate charges involving the theft of Shs3.4 billion intended for the compensation of Buyaka Growers Co-operative Society Ltd.
Religious Leaders Praise Namujju’s Resilience
During the thanksgiving ceremony, Rev. Fr. Gonzaga Nsamba, parish priest of Busibo, commended Namujju for her resilience during her time in prison, likening her experience to the suffering of Jesus during the crucifixion.
“When you are strong in faith, every challenge you face in life cannot break you down. I am happy that we are here today to pray for God’s mercy and love,” he said.
Support for Church Projects
Rev. Fr. Mbaaga Tuzinde Ssenkungu, parish priest of St. Jude Thaddeus Church, and Rev. Fr. Charles Mbazzi also expressed gratitude to Namujju for her ongoing support of church projects, including the construction of a new church structure in the area.
Interfaith Prayers for Namujju’s Legal Battles
Following the Mass, clerics from various religious denominations gathered at Namujju’s ancestral home in Kabukye Village to pray for her, asking for divine assistance in overcoming her legal challenges.
In her speech, Namujju thanked those who had supported her throughout her ordeal.
“Some people visited me in prison while crying. I told them not to cry because whatever I am going through is part of my life’s journey.
I thank God for allowing me to follow my path. It is not good to wish someone jail, but it is helpful for everyone to get the prison experience and understand how the world works,” she said.
Parliamentary Support Despite Controversy
Earlier, on June 22, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, along with legislators Daudi Kabanda (Kasambya County, Mubende District) and Juliet Kinyamattama (Woman MP, Rakai District), had defended Namujju during a rally in Lwengo.
They praised her generosity, noting that despite her legal troubles, she has been sharing her resources with her constituents.
“You’re better off having a child who eats and brings home,” Among said to applause from the crowd. “If she stole, as we all hear, she has been sharing [the loot] with the people of Lwengo,” Kinyamattama added.
Budget Solicitation Allegations
The three legislators are reportedly involved in soliciting 20 percent of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) budget during the 2024/2025 financial year budget processing.
