The recent scandal involving leaked intimate videos allegedly featuring Hon. Elizabeth Kakwanzi has shaken Uganda’s political sphere to its core. With the videos circulating widely on social media and generating massive public discourse, it is now rumored that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been made fully aware of the situation—and may have personally viewed the content.
This development has raised critical questions across the country: What will be President Museveni’s response? Will the state protect or punish the embattled MP? Will the incident affect Kakwanzi’s political future—or even broader political dynamics within the ruling party and Parliament?
Here’s a breakdown of what could likely happen based on Uganda’s political culture, public sentiment, and precedents in similar controversies.
An Internal Party Investigation
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), known for its strict internal discipline and public image management, may initiate a quiet but thorough investigation into the matter. President Museveni, as both the head of state and chairman of the NRM, typically demands accountability from members who bring the party into disrepute.
While there is no official word yet, political insiders believe that party leadership may summon Hon. Kakwanzi for questioning. Depending on the outcome, she could face temporary suspension or be asked to step back from certain roles, especially if it is confirmed that the videos are genuine and not AI-generated or maliciously edited.
Possible State House Guidance
President Museveni has a history of intervening in politically sensitive matters, especially when public scandals involve his own party members or the country’s image abroad. If the President truly watched the videos and deemed them damaging to national or party dignity, he could personally instruct a path forward.
This might include:
- A private meeting with Hon. Kakwanzi to assess her side of the story.
- Advising her to resign quietly to protect the party’s image.
- Alternatively, protecting her if the leak is deemed a political trap or cybercrime meant to destroy her reputation.
Given Museveni’s strategic mind, his response will likely consider both public perception and internal political calculations.
Public Sympathy vs. Public Outrage
One critical variable in this saga is the public’s reaction. So far, Ugandan social media has been sharply divided. Some citizens have condemned the leak and expressed support for Kakwanzi as a victim of cyber exploitation. Others, however, have accused her of conduct unbecoming of a leader, demanding that she step down.
President Museveni is a master of reading the national mood. If he perceives that public sympathy is building around Kakwanzi as a victim of privacy violation, he might lean towards protecting her. But if outrage and embarrassment dominate, he may opt for decisive action to restore public confidence.
Legal and Cybersecurity Considerations
This scandal also raises questions about digital privacy, revenge porn laws, and cybercrime. If the videos were leaked without consent, it constitutes a serious violation of Uganda’s laws under the Computer Misuse Act and other statutes.
President Museveni could use this moment to call for tougher cybersecurity policies or champion digital ethics legislation, positioning the government as protective of all Ugandans, especially public figures. In this way, the scandal could spark reforms rather than just political fallout.
Furthermore, the police and Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) may be instructed to track down the source of the leak. If traced, those responsible could be prosecuted to deter future digital violations of privacy.
Impact on Hon. Kakwanzi’s Political Career
Hon. Elizabeth Kakwanzi now faces a crucial crossroad in her political journey. Regardless of whether the President protects her or disciplines her, her reputation has already taken a hit. In Uganda’s largely conservative society, such incidents can cast a long shadow on a female leader’s image.
Even if she survives this politically, the road ahead will be filled with scrutiny. She may have to:
- Deliver a public apology or clarification.
- Take a temporary break from political life to allow tensions to cool.
- Rebuild her public image through outreach, charity, or policy advocacy.
Museveni may offer her a second chance if he sees potential in her recovery—or he may view her as a liability too costly to keep close to power.
Wider Political Implications
If this scandal is seen as politically motivated—perhaps leaked by rivals—Museveni may use it to address political sabotage within the party or Parliament. It’s not uncommon for digital warfare and blackmail to be tools in Ugandan political rivalries.
Thus, the President might also take this as an opportunity to warn other leaders and MPs about integrity, loyalty, and the risks of digital recklessness.
A Shift in Political Discourse
Beyond the individuals involved, this scandal could reshape Uganda’s political conversation in the coming months. Topics like morality in leadership, cybercrime, women in politics, and media ethics are already dominating talk shows, Twitter spaces, and radio debates.
President Museveni might seize this opportunity to reframe the moral compass of public service—potentially proposing new rules for digital conduct among MPs and ministers.
Whether President Museveni has watched the leaked videos or not, the scandal is now national news, and a response is inevitable. Given his long-standing commitment to managing the NRM’s image, his actions will likely aim to preserve political stability while addressing public concern.
Hon. Elizabeth Kakwanzi, meanwhile, stands at the center of a storm—her fate now hanging in a delicate balance between accountability, sympathy, and political survival. The days ahead will determine whether she becomes a cautionary tale or a symbol of resilience in the face of scandal.
One thing is clear: Uganda is watching, and so is the President.
