GO AND QUARREL WITH HER: Museveni Reveals Why He Appointed ‘Quarrelsome’ Justine Nameere and ‘Cantankerous’ Balaam as Local Government Ministers

President Yoweri Museveni has defended his decision to appoint what he described as “quarrelsome” and “cantankerous” individuals into cabinet, saying he deliberately chooses outspoken leaders to drive government work aggressively.

In his remarks following the reading of the 2026-2027 financial year budget in Kampala, Museveni specifically mentioned State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere and Cabinet Minister for the same docket, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, saying their strong personalities were part of the reason they were selected for leadership roles.

“I have put to Local Government people whom some describe as cantankerous and quarrelsome, like Barugahara and Nameere,” Museveni said.

He added that Nameere, in particular, is known for being confrontational and outspoken, something he said should be directed toward solving local government challenges rather than internal disputes.

“Nameere is famous for quarreling. So, go and quarrel with her,” the President said, in remarks that have since attracted public attention.

“When I went to defend her, her people said she has bad manners and that they did not know how she was brought up.”

Museveni’s comments appeared to suggest that instead of avoiding friction, he expects the ministers to confront resistance in local government structures, enforce discipline, and push implementation of government programmes.

The President has in the past defended controversial appointments, arguing that government needs “fighters” who can push policy at grassroots level and challenge inefficiency within the system.

Weeks before her appointment as minister, Nameere had engaged in a fierce war of words with David Kabanda, an MP and secretary general of first son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). She was arrested, later released on Museveni’s orders, before being appointed minister. (See Details Here, There and Over There).

In his remarks, Museveni seemed to suggest that Raphael Magyezi, the man who had been local government but was fired weeks ago, had had struggles in the running of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, with complaints dominating the presidential campaigns.

See other Ministers who were dropped from cabinet, as well as those who were fired but consoled with presidential advisor jobs Here and There.

Back to the budget, it has been confirmed that arts teachers in government secondary schools, primary teachers and those in BTVET institutions will have their salaries increased through a Shs560bn package, as reported Here.

You can read the full budget speech for 2026-2027 financial year HERE.