Protest vote is misleading and dangerous; Hajjati Hadijah Namyalo
By; Our Reporter
The Office of the National Chairman (ONC) Manager, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, has voiced strong opposition to the rising wave of protest politics led by opposition groups, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP), warning that such protest calls endanger national peace and the lives of Uganda’s youth.
While joining millions of Ugandans and global well-wishers in mourning the untimely death of businessman Rajiv Ruparelia, Namyalo expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the bereaved Ruparelia family, friends, and the wider business community.
During a press briefing at her Kyambogo office, Namyalo took the opportunity to address what she termed a dangerous trend: the “Protest Vote” campaign. She described it as a deceptive and hazardous movement intended to incite violence and provoke confrontations with security forces.
“The so-called Protest Vote campaign is not only misleading but dangerous. It is designed to incite violence and push innocent youths into confrontations that threaten their lives and the country’s stability,” Namyalo stated.
She specifically warned young Ugandans affiliated with NUP and its president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, against participating in street protests, emphasizing that many youths have ended up in prison or faced severe consequences due to such actions.
Namyalo reiterated her unwavering support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom she hailed as a seasoned leader with a track record of maintaining peace and stability in Uganda and the wider region.
“As ONC, we have launched several successful campaigns, including ‘Jajja Tova Ku Main’ and now ‘Museveni is the Best’, because millions of Ugandans continue to trust the leadership that has maintained peace and development,” she said.
She argued that regime change alone does not guarantee better governance, citing examples of countries with frequent leadership changes but ongoing instability.
“Even in nations where leaders are frequently changed, like the United States, we don’t see heaven being created. Change for the sake of it is not the solution,” Namyalo remarked.
In a defiant tone, she also warned elements within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) who may be colluding with the opposition to undermine her efforts.
“I am ready to face abuse, insults, or any kind of attack, but I will not be silenced. I am a sacrifice for Uganda’s continued peace and stability,” she asserted.
She further lashed out at alleged NUP bloggers, reportedly hired to target her online.
“You will abuse me, I abuse you. I am not shakable and nothing can scare me. Stop wasting time abusing me because you won’t achieve anything. I can’t keep quiet when you are misleading our bazzukulu into your visionless and self-interested poli-tricks,” Namyalo said.
