Kampala, Uganda: Former State Minister for Economic Monitoring and ex-presidential aide Molly Kamukama is facing intense scrutiny after leaked audio recordings surfaced, revealing her controversial comments on President Museveni’s cabinet appointments.
In the recordings leaked from a private meeting, Kamukama, a former Private Press Secretary to the President, claimed that Kiruhura District, Museveni’s home area, has “never had a minister”, a statement widely dismissed as false.
She went on to allege that Museveni’s ministerial appointments are influenced by personal interests, family connections, and regional political calculations rather than merit.
Kamukama is further heard suggesting that the President “does not benefit politically by supporting leaders from Kiruhura compared to places like Kiryandongo and Lira,” implying that ministerial posts are used as tools to secure electoral advantage.
The ex-Minister’s remarks, however, drew immediate criticism for contradicting herself. While she initially claimed Kiruhura had never produced a minister, she later cited Minister Alice Kaboyo from the same district, dismissing her appointment as “not based on merit.”
Kamukama also questioned the ministerial role of Mary Mugyenyi years ago, describing it as “a consolidation for the loss of her husband, the late Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi.”
The leaked audio further contains statements urging youth to “buy votes,” fueling public outrage and casting doubts over Kamukama’s credibility and intentions in the political space.
Political analysts warn that Kamukama’s comments could deepen divisions within Kiruhura and undermine her own political standing. “If Mrs. Kamukama claims to speak for the President on ministerial appointments, the key question is whether the President confides in her, or if she is projecting personal frustrations,” one analyst said.
Critics have also highlighted factual inaccuracies, especially her dismissal of Kaboyo’s ministerial role. “To tell people from Kiruhura such lies is an insult to their history and contribution to national leadership,” an elder from the district said.
The leaked audio has reignited debates over regional favoritism in government appointments, while Kamukama’s political allies and detractors await her official response to the controversy.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
