Kiruluuta Breaks Silence: NUP MP Says Sodo Nomination Was “Sarcasm” Meant to Expose Museveni Family Power Grip

UgandaToday: Kiruluuta Breaks Silence: NUP MP Says Sodo Nomination Was “Sarcasm” Meant to Expose Museveni Family Power Grip

By Uganda Today Political Desk

KAMPALA — Kalungu East legislator Yusuf Kiruluuta Junior Nkerettanyi has moved to clarify a controversial political move that sparked intense public debate after he nominated Godfrey Aine Kaguta, commonly known as Sodo, for the position of Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

The nomination had generated a wave of criticism, confusion and political speculation among opposition supporters and sections of the public, many questioning why a legislator from the opposition National Unity Platform would propose a member of President Museveni’s family for one of Parliament’s top positions.

However, Kiruluuta now says the move was neither an endorsement nor an act of political compromise, but rather a deliberate act of political satire aimed at exposing what he describes as entrenched nepotism within Uganda’s governance structure.

WATCH: Kalungu East MP Yusuf Kiruluuta Explaining Sodo Nomination Controversy

In this video statement, Kalungu East MP Yusuf Kiruluuta Nkerettanyi clarifies that his nomination of Mawogola North MP Aine Sodo Kaguta for Deputy Speaker was intended as political sarcasm aimed at highlighting what he describes as entrenched nepotism and concentration of power within the ruling establishment.

Watch Kiruluuta’s X video statement

“My Move Was Entirely Sarcastic”

Addressing the backlash, Kiruluuta said he had observed mixed reactions and wanted to explain the motive behind his actions.

“I have seen mixed reactions from a section of the public regarding my decision to nominate the Mawogola North MP Aine Sodo Kaguta. I understand the backlash and I absorb it in good faith,” he stated.

He explained that the nomination was intended to provoke reflection on what he described as the increasing concentration of state power around one family.

“My move was sarcastic and intended to address the issue of nepotism which has largely characterized the NRM regime.”

Kiruluuta further argued that one family had progressively gained influence across key organs of the state. “A single family has dominated all the arms of government — cabinet, judiciary and executive — and they now decide how these other arms should be constituted.”

A Jab at Power Concentration?

The remarks have reignited long-standing political conversations around allegations of centralization of authority and the growing influence of individuals linked to Uganda’s First Family.

Kiruluuta contended that autonomous institutions increasingly appear susceptible to influence.

“They have demonstrated that they can decide who becomes Speaker or Chief Justice, yet these two arms are meant to be autonomous.”

He added that if the appetite for power was perceived to be unlimited, then his nomination merely carried that argument to what he termed its “logical conclusion.”

“It is against this background that I decided that Hon. Sodo, a member of the First Family, equally takes up the position of Deputy Speaker since their family lust for authority and power is insatiable.”

The Nomination That Failed to Stand

During proceedings to elect Parliament’s Deputy Speaker, Kiruluuta indeed nominated Sodo for the position. However, the nomination did not progress because it failed to secure a seconder under parliamentary rules. Ultimately, Thomas Tayebwa retained the position after emerging victorious in the election.

Political Theatre or Protest?

Observers are likely to interpret Kiruluuta’s explanation differently. Supporters may view it as symbolic political messaging designed to challenge the status quo, while critics could dismiss it as a poorly executed stunt that created unnecessary confusion.

Yet the incident demonstrates how parliamentary proceedings increasingly serve not only legislative functions but also platforms for political symbolism and public messaging.

For Kiruluuta, however, the matter appears settled. “To comrades who have not understood my move, please be guided that this was entirely sarcastic and that can be judged from the diction that I used to drive my point.”

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