Kamuli, Uganda: Peoples Front for Freedom (PFF) Council Speaker Proscovia Salaamu Musumba has defended her presence at President Museveni’s commissioning of the Dei Biopharma Starch Factory in Busambu, Namasagali, saying she attended purely on official invitation and not as part of any political rally.
Musumba, who appeared at the November 20 event on the President’s Busoga Region campaign trail, stressed that the function was a development engagement, not a political rally, and that Ugandans must learn to differentiate the two. She said she honoured the invitation by a close friend, Dei Biopharma CEO Dr Matthias Magoola, who officially requested her presence.
During the commissioning, First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli Woman MP Rebecca Kadaga asked the President to consider a dedicated power line from Isimba Dam to Busambu, tarmacking of Budhumbula–Namasagali Road, and the gazetting of the factory as an Industrial Park.
Musumba said her attendance was driven by responsibility and community interest.
“I was present because Dr Magoola invited me. People should stop confusing development functions with rallies,” she said. “I was mobilising my people to benefit from cassava value-chain money and also demonstrating modern multiparty politics.”
She added that working alongside President Museveni at a development function does not compromise her political identity. “Tell them Salaamu is not an idiot but a democrat and stateswoman who understands political parameters. I know when to work with Mr Museveni, not for him. Multiparty politics is about coexistence, tolerance, and serving the common good,” Musumba insisted.
She cited past examples of cooperating across party lines, revealing that during her tenure as Kamuli LCV Chairperson, she successfully implemented the NRM’s “Yellow Manifesto” despite subscribing to the FDC.
She also recalled accompanying President Museveni to the Vatican, where she requested tarmacking of Kamuli Municipality roads instead of personal favours. “We can differ ideologically but still work together for the people,” she said.
Musumba also explained how she passed strict SFC security checks despite the function being strictly by invitation. She said she had a longstanding relationship with Dr Magoola and his family, noting shared community ties, faith, and past moments where she supported them during investment troubles in India.
Development consultant Henry Munaaba Dhikusooka praised Musumba for rising above partisan interests. “Salaam is a second asset to Mama Kadaga in Busoga. With those two voices, Busoga only needs young entrepreneurs and thinkers to rediscover its potential,” he said.
Munaaba added that the event was nearly disrupted by NRM officials who allegedly attempted to undermine the function, but Musumba’s discipline and conduct helped stabilise proceedings.
Violet Aliyinza, Coordinator of the Busambu Ghetto Brigade, said the joint presence of Museveni and Musumba reflected a shared commitment to community upliftment and signalled a maturing political culture focused on tangible development gains.
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.
