Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament Betty Nambooze Bakireke has once again stirred political debate after publicly defending Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among over criticism surrounding her luxurious lifestyle and alleged ownership of a Rolls Royce.
Nambooze, who is widely known as an ally of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, surprised many Ugandans after openly dismissing criticism directed at the Speaker. Speaking during a political discussion, the outspoken legislator argued that wealthy individuals should not be condemned for spending their money openly.
“The Speaker has the money and there are many others who have money to buy a Rolls Royce. They should all go and buy them for us to see,” Nambooze reportedly said. Her remarks quickly attracted strong reactions from both government supporters and opposition followers.
The comments emerged amid ongoing public discussions about the wealth and lifestyle of political leaders in Uganda. Reports and online discussions about Anita Among’s luxury vehicles have continued generating debate, especially at a time when many Ugandans are struggling with the high cost of living.
Nambooze defended the Speaker by arguing that wealth itself should not automatically be treated as a crime. According to her, many wealthy Ugandans secretly own expensive properties, luxury cars, and businesses but choose to hide them from the public.
She suggested that Anita Among’s confidence in displaying her lifestyle openly should not be used against her. Nambooze added that some people criticizing the Speaker may actually possess even greater wealth but prefer to keep it hidden from public attention.
The Mukono Municipality MP further stated that Ugandans should focus more on demanding accountability and transparency instead of simply attacking leaders for enjoying expensive lifestyles. She argued that if someone acquires wealth legally, they have the right to spend it however they choose.
Her comments surprised many people because Nambooze has often been one of the strongest critics of government policies and senior officials. Political observers noted that her defense of Anita Among demonstrated how political disagreements do not always translate into personal hostility.
Supporters of Anita Among welcomed Nambooze’s remarks, saying they reflected honesty and fairness despite political differences. Some argued that successful leaders should not be expected to pretend to be poor simply to satisfy public opinion.
However, critics strongly disagreed with Nambooze’s statements, insisting that public leaders must remain sensitive to the struggles facing ordinary citizens. Some argued that displays of extreme luxury by politicians create anger and frustration among Ugandans dealing with poverty and unemployment.
Social media platforms were immediately flooded with reactions after Nambooze’s comments circulated online. While some users praised her for speaking boldly, others accused her of defending extravagance among political elites.
Several commentators also pointed out that conversations about luxury spending often become controversial because many Ugandans continue questioning the sources of wealth among public officials. Concerns about corruption and misuse of public resources remain common topics in national political discussions.
Despite the criticism, Nambooze maintained that Uganda has many wealthy individuals capable of purchasing luxury cars. She said society should not act shocked whenever politicians or business people spend large amounts of money on expensive lifestyles.
The debate has once again brought Anita Among into the national spotlight. Since becoming Speaker of Parliament, she has remained one of Uganda’s most influential and most discussed political figures.
Her supporters frequently praise her leadership style, confidence, and rapid rise in national politics. Many describe her as hardworking, ambitious, and politically strategic in handling parliamentary affairs.
On the other hand, her critics argue that top leaders must demonstrate humility and prioritize public concerns over luxurious lifestyles. Some citizens believe leaders should focus more on improving public services than displaying wealth.
Political analysts say Nambooze’s remarks may also reflect the changing nature of political discourse in Uganda, where politicians occasionally cross party lines to defend each other on personal matters. They argue that such moments reveal the complexity of relationships within the country’s political environment.
Others believe the comments were intended to challenge public hypocrisy around wealth and success. According to some observers, Ugandan society often celebrates wealth in private but criticizes it loudly when displayed openly by public figures.
The discussion surrounding Anita Among’s alleged Rolls Royce has also reignited broader debates about inequality, governance, and accountability in Uganda. Citizens continue questioning how political leaders accumulate wealth while many communities still face poor roads, unemployment, and limited healthcare services.
Even as criticism and support continue pouring in, Nambooze’s remarks have ensured that the debate remains active both online and offline. Her outspoken defense of Anita Among has once again demonstrated her willingness to speak controversially regardless of political expectations.
As public conversations about leadership and wealth continue, many Ugandans will remain divided on whether luxurious lifestyles among politicians should be celebrated, tolerated, or criticized. For now, however, Betty Nambooze’s comments have added fresh fuel to an already heated national debate surrounding Speaker Anita Among and the display of wealth in public life.
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