A political storm is brewing in Uganda after Namisindwa County Member of Parliament Metrine Nanzala, popularly known as Nanjala, publicly appealed to President Yoweri Museveni for protection amid a heated court case challenging her citizenship and eligibility to serve in Parliament.
The legislator, who secured victory in the January 2026 general elections with 9,521 votes, is now facing a legal petition filed by her rival, Masika Apollo, who is demanding that the court nullify her win. The petition alleges that Nanzala may not be a Ugandan citizen and could have been improperly registered under the national identification system.
According to court documents filed in Mbale, the petitioner argues that the MP was allegedly born in Kenya and does not meet the constitutional requirements for holding public office in Uganda. The case has sparked widespread debate, with supporters and critics weighing in on her political legitimacy.
In her emotional appeal, Nanzala turned directly to President Museveni, describing the pressure she is currently facing as overwhelming. She insisted that she has repeatedly dealt with similar accusations throughout her political journey, claiming that her documents were fully verified before she was allowed to contest.
Yoweri Museveni has not publicly responded to her plea at the time of reporting, as legal proceedings continue to unfold in the High Court of Mbale.
Nanzala maintains that she is a lawful citizen of Uganda and dismissed the allegations as politically driven attempts to sabotage her leadership. She further revealed that she has previously survived similar legal challenges, which she says were resolved in her favour after scrutiny of her background.
The controversy has also drawn attention from Uganda’s National Identification and Registration Authority, which had earlier questioned aspects of her citizenship registration, requesting clarification before the elections.
As the case progresses, the MP has expressed fear and frustration, saying she feels isolated and under intense pressure while trying to defend her seat. She has appealed for legal and political protection, insisting that her focus remains on serving her constituents despite the ongoing dispute.
The court is expected to determine whether the allegations hold merit or whether Nanzala will retain her parliamentary seat in what has become one of the most closely watched political battles in the region.