NUP Vice President for Western Region Jolly Tukamushaba has warned that many Ugandans only recognize governance challenges when they are directly affected, urging greater public vigilance as debate intensifies around controversial legislation.
Speaking in reference to recent political developments, Tukamushaba pointed to the experience of former minister Agnes Nandutu, saying it reflects how quickly circumstances can change.
“When she was elevated to a ministerial position, she felt all was well. But today, wherever she is, she feels the pain of being on the other side,” Tukamushaba said.
She argued that such cases highlight a broader pattern of delayed public awareness.
“When people are not affected, they think everything is fine. But when it catches up with them, they say, ‘you were right.’”
Her remarks come at a time when Parliament is considering several contentious bills, including proposals that critics say could expand state oversight into citizens’ personal and economic lives.
Tukamushaba also drew from her own experience, recalling her detention in 2021, which she said exposed her to the realities many Ugandans face.
“I have been to jail, and I know how it feels to be there. I was detained simply because I possessed a red beret,” she said.
She raised concerns about what she described as uneven enforcement of laws, questioning disparities in how authority is applied.
“I saw Members of Parliament moving freely in military-style attire, yet others are arrested over simple symbols. It makes you ask—where are we going as a country?”
The opposition leader further criticized recent financial allocations to legislators, saying they reflect a disconnect between leadership priorities and citizens’ needs.
“Those who have received that money will not be there for us. That is why citizens must stand up for themselves,” she said.
Calling for increased civic awareness, Tukamushaba urged Ugandans to actively engage in governance processes and scrutinize legislation.
“Let us condemn all those bills and acts if they are not in the interest of Ugandans. We must rise before it is too late.”
Her remarks add to a growing national conversation around accountability, civic participation, and the balance between state authority and individual freedoms as Uganda navigates a period of heightened legislative and political activity.
