'She came to me crying:' Museveni reveals why he appointed Nabbanja

Museveni said on Thursday that this was part of the reason he made her his surprise pick for Prime Minister in 2021.

Addressing scores of district councilors retreating at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, the president also revealed that his choice for Nabbanja was out of sympathy over the tribulations she had suffered back in her home district.

According to Museveni, Nabbanja came to him crying after Kakumiro district leaders turned on her.

“Appointing her prime minister, she had been slapped a bit in her home area,” Museveni revealed.

“She was fighting district leaders who had imposed roadblocks to collect taxes to boost local revenue. She tried to confront them and they slapped her in the face and she came to me with a black eye,” he said

“But I told her not to worry because even Jesus was nailed on the cross and he is now in heaven.”

Since her appointment, the president said he was pleased with Nabbanja’s work ethic and serving as a good example to others.

He for instance pointed out her decision to invite the councilors to Kyankwanzi to enlighten them about leadership.

“Many of you councilors and district leaders, if you put on the right spectacles, you will be able to analyse issues property and our journey will be smoother,” he said.

“Nabbanja brought you here to give you new spectacles. I want to thank her for bringing you all here.”

In 2021, President Museveni memorably referred to the current cabinet under Nabbanja as “fishermen”

Museveni defended the cabinet for being less experienced, saying he was following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

He noted that while picking his disciples, Jesus had not opted for the highly educated Pharisees, Sadducees or the Levites, but went for the fishermen.

“Of course, he also had some intellectuals such as Luke who was a doctor. So when you look at my list, know that I am in the path of Jesus Christ,” Museveni said