A newly elected member of parliament in Uganda is crying out to President Yoweri Museveni for protection after her opponent dragged her to court over her citizenship.
Nanzala Metrine won the Namisindwa County seat in the January 2026 election with 9,521 votes. Her closest rival, Masika Apollo, got 6,196 votes.
But instead of preparing to take up her office, Nanzala is now fighting to prove she is Ugandan.
The petition filed by Masika Apollo claims that Nanzala was actually born in Kenya. It argues that under Article 80(1)(a) of the 1995 Ugandan Constitution, she does not have the right to hold the seat. The petition also alleges that she got her national ID illegally through the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) records.
In a tearful appeal, the MP-elect said she feels alone and targeted.
“I want you to help me and protect me. I am an orphan. They have taken me to court in Mbale, saying I am Kenyan, not Ugandan,” she said while crying.
She did not directly respond to the claims about her birthplace. But her emotional plea appears aimed at winning the president’s sympathy and intervention.
The case is now before a court in Mbale, and it could decide whether Nanzala keeps her seat or is disqualified. If the court agrees with the petitioner, the runner-up, Masika Apollo, would likely take over as MP.
For now, Nanzala is waiting — and begging for someone to stand with her.