A Painful Confession from a Female MP Reveals the Hidden Cost of Political Power

Uganda Today: A Painful Confession from a Female MP Reveals the Hidden Cost of Political Power

By Uganda Today Investigations Desk

“I Am Leaving Parliament Without My Husband, With Huge Loans and Shame” — A Painful Confession from a Female MP Reveals the Hidden Cost of Political Power

At the towering headquarters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat, where ambitions for the 2026 general elections are taking shape, a heart-wrenching confession from a sitting female Member of Parliament has peeled back the glitz of political office to expose a life ravaged by ambition, betrayal, and regret.

Speaking anonymously but with full authorization to publish her story, the legislator offered a raw account of what it has cost her to sit in Uganda’s August House for the past two terms.

“I am leaving Parliament without my husband, with huge loans, and deep shame,” she said, her voice trembling.

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Her journey into elective politics began in 2016, backed by her then-loving husband who went as far as selling family land and quitting his NGO job to support her campaign. But what started as a shared dream quickly turned into a nightmare.

“From 2017, my home turned into a battleground,” she recalled. “Parliament consumed me—committee meetings, foreign trips, caucus engagements, lobbying—there was no time left for my marriage, my children, or myself.”

She candidly admitted that her rise in politics exposed her to powerful men in Parliament and government—some of whom enticed her with lavish gifts, trips, and promises of appointments in exchange for companionship.

“You go on a delegation abroad for two weeks. You’re checked into the same hotel with MPs and officials, having meals and endless meetings together. Most of them are men—and many come with intentions,” she confessed. “Eventually, even the strongest women fall into affairs.”

Her narration painted a disturbing picture of female politicians being emotionally manipulated, professionally compromised, and in some cases, infected.

“Many of these powerful men are HIV positive. They don’t care. I know MPs—many—who got infected,” she said, her voice cracking.

The Sseninde Parallel: When Home Breaks from the Weight of Power

Her story mirrors the now-famous, bizarrely public celebration of Mr. Zephaniah Senninde, husband to former Wakiso District Woman MP Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde. In 2021, after his wife lost her seat to NUP’s Ethel Naluyima, Bukedde newspaper reported that Senninde slaughtered two bulls and openly thanked Wakiso voters for “saving him”.

“I am finally free!” he is quoted to have said. “For years, I have lived like a stranger in my own marriage.”

Senninde’s symbolic celebration was interpreted by many as a satirical indictment of political marriages, especially where ambition overshadows family unity. The anonymous MP’s story now affirms that his celebration wasn’t an isolated incident—it was a cry echoed silently by many spouses of powerful women in Uganda.

“I Lost Everything”—Loans, Isolation, and a Broken Church Life

Despite earning a respectable MP salary, the legislator said most of her money went into paying off campaign debts and maintaining an image of power. Today, she is financially trapped.

“My salary of five million is swallowed by money lenders. I can’t maintain my constituency. And the men who used to help me are long gone,” she said. “My husband left. The children are distant. My church work is hollow.”

She revealed that her ex-husband was systematically weakened by powerful men close to her during her time in office.

“They tried to break him financially and emotionally. Some even plotted to eliminate him. I now see how dangerous and lonely this world can be.”

At 49, she is preparing to return to her constituency to seek reelection—this time, alone.

“If I had not joined politics, I would have kept my family. I was selfish. I regret everything.”

A Lesson to Women in Politics: Beware the Glittering Cage

In her final words, she issued a warning to young women eyeing Parliament:

“Power will tempt you. Men will promise you the sky. You’ll lose your husband, your dignity, and even your health. My children will never be politicians.”

Her statement comes at a time when Uganda is witnessing rising numbers of women entering political spaces—but also increasing reports of domestic tension, mental health breakdowns, and disillusionment within the ranks.

For more untold stories from inside Uganda’s political corridors, visit www.ugandatoday.co.ug
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