Uganda Speaker sparks outrage after comparing Museveni to God and Muhoozi to Jesus. Over the weekend, National Assembly Speaker Anita Among made controversial remarks at Kalule Garage playground in Kyazanga, Bukoto West, likening President Museveni to “God the Father,” and General Muhoozi Kainerugaba to “God the Son.” She further described the attendees as the “Holy Spirit” and urged them to vote for Museveni in 2026.
“We believe in the Trinity. God the Father is Museveni. God the Son is Muhoozi. And you, the people, are the Holy Spirit,” Among said. Her comments have since triggered widespread condemnation from religious leaders and opposition politicians.
Martin Ssempa, a cleric with Makerere Community Church, said such religious comparisons were both blasphemous and politically dangerous. “Politicians should stop exploiting sacred doctrines to gain popularity. We need laws to stop this trend,” he said.
Opposition leader Joel Ssenyonyi echoed the sentiment, warning that comparing Museveni to a divine figure insults the intelligence of Ugandans. “We are a religious people. Such remarks are not just inappropriate—they’re manipulative,” he stated.
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Patrick Amuriat criticized the remarks as “very unfortunate,” saying no mortal should be equated to God. He questioned the legitimacy of portraying political loyalty through religious symbolism.
While the backlash was swift, Parliament communications director Chris Obore defended the Speaker, claiming her remarks were metaphorical. He insisted the analogy aimed to highlight unity in leadership, not elevate Museveni to a divine status.
However, this isn’t the first instance of exaggerated praise in Ugandan politics. In 2017, then-minister Beti Kamya described Museveni as “more intelligent than the entire Cabinet.” Youth Minister Balaam Barugahara has also frequently referred to the president as “a visionary sent by God.”
As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, critics argue that political rhetoric invoking religious imagery may continue to blur the line between governance and faith, possibly undermining both.
For more on Uganda’s upcoming elections, read our comprehensive 2026 election preview. You can also explore religion and politics in East Africa.
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