Among engages Kobusingye, Lumumba as NRM Women’s League tensions deepen
KAMPALA – The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with senior figures in the Women’s League of the National Resistance Movement, as internal disputes over financial management continue to intensify.
The meeting brought together league chairperson Adrine Kobusingye and treasurer Ann Ruyondo Lumumba at a time when the women’s wing is facing growing scrutiny over the handling of mobilization funds.
Speaking after the engagement, Among called for solidarity and cooperation among the leaders, underscoring the need to focus on shared goals despite the ongoing disagreements.
“It was a memorable occasion spent with my esteemed sisters, the leaders of the Women’s League of the NRM. We exchanged valuable ideas on potential collaborative efforts to promote our common interests and uphold the core values of women,” she said.
“I extend my best wishes and God’s blessings to them all as they lead,” she added.
Financial questions emerge
The meeting follows a wave of internal concerns triggered by documents suggesting divisions and possible irregularities in the management of over UGX 1.5 billion allocated for mobilization efforts.
In a letter attributed to Lumumba, it is indicated that UGX 1.197 billion was raised to support women’s participation in a political rally backing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
However, the treasurer reportedly raised concerns that much of the money was managed outside formal treasury channels, with limited transparency and oversight.
The records highlight disputed expenditures, including large cash withdrawals, unaccounted balances, and distributions to some members of the executive.
Attention has also been drawn to a UGX 180 million payment to Hotel La Vena for catering services during a January event—an arrangement that has raised conflict-of-interest concerns due to its alleged links to Kobusingye.
Further scrutiny surrounds about UGX 390 million reportedly spent on a prayer breakfast, with claims that the funds were handled outside established financial procedures.
Calls for cohesion
Political observers view Among’s intervention as a calculated move to calm tensions and preserve unity within the league, which plays a key role in grassroots mobilization for the ruling party.
The controversy has stirred debate within party ranks, with some members demanding a comprehensive audit to establish accountability, while others warn that prolonged infighting could undermine party cohesion.
By press time, Kobusingye had not publicly responded to the allegations.
The developments leave the NRM Women’s League at a delicate crossroads, balancing the need for transparency with efforts to maintain internal stability ahead of future political activities.
