A fiery debate erupted during the Capital Gang talkshow as Kira Municipality MP, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, launched a scathing attack on Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), accusing him of bypassing formal trade structures and wielding undue influence due to his marriage into the First Family.
Ssemujju insists Rwabogo is not as important as he thinks.
“Just because you married from the First Family doesn’t make you an angel or above the law,” Ssemujju declared during a heated session. “Why don’t you become the Minister for Trade and work through formal institutions? Instead, you set up your own kiosk somewhere simply because of your relationship with the President and begin looking down on everyone.”
Rwabwogo, who is President Museveni’s son-in-law, has been a key figure in Uganda’s export promotion efforts, particularly in the coffee sector. However, Ssemujju questioned his qualifications and the legality of his committee’s operations, arguing that existing bodies like the Export Promotion Board (EPB) are being sidelined.
“What special skills does Rwabwogo have that career professionals in the EPB lack? Why must every critical role be handed to family members?” Ssemujju demanded.
The legislator also raised concerns about financial mismanagement, recalling how Rwabwogo’s committee initially sought 100 million for coffee through the controversial Inspire Africa Coffee, based in Ntungamo. “First it was $35 million, then more where is this money going? If export promotion is failing, fix the institutions, don’t create personal fiefdoms!”
The outburst reflects growing frustration among MPs over what they describe as the “privatization of government functions” by individuals linked to the First Family. Ssemujju accused Rwabwogo of a “patronizing attitude,” claiming he acts as though “people in government exist at his mercy.”
“You walk into Cabinet as if you’re giving lectures, yet you’re just a human being like any other Ugandan,” Ssemujju said. “This country is now effectively run under family rule—if you want power, contest properly, don’t hide behind presidential connections.”
Rwabwogo was appearing on the show for the first time in about 10 years though he didn’t manage to perfectly respond to Ssemujju’s accusations. However, critics argue that his case highlights a broader trend of blurred lines between state and family interests in Uganda’s governance.
Over the years, MPs have demanded for stricter oversight of presidential advisers and a return to institutional accountability, however this has not come to pass.
“We cannot keep funding parallel structures while our formal agencies starve,” Ssemujju warned. “Ugandans deserve better.”
