Uganda’s Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, has ordered the current spokesperson, Charles Odongtho, to hand over his office immediately to Francis Jjingo, a former NTV journalist recruited by Nabbanja in April. A battle is brewing day by day among senior journalists for the position of spokesperson in the Office of the Prime Minister.
This development comes after a reported rift between Nabbanja and Odongtho, who joined the OPM in July last year. Sources indicate that Nabbanja had instructed that Odongtho’s contract not be renewed, reportedly due to his outspoken nature, which she perceived as “lugezigezi”.
Despite efforts by Odongtho to meet with Nabbanja, she has declined. Their last phone conversation ended with Nabbanja reaffirming her decision not to renew his contract.
Odongtho had hoped for intervention from Dunstan Balaba, the permanent secretary of the OPM. Additionally, a group of elders from Nebbi, Odongtho’s hometown, and some senior government officials, attempted to lobby on his behalf. However, Nabbanja’s decision appears final, leaving Odongtho’s tenure at the OPM uncertain.
