The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, has come under the spotlight following a wave of malicious publications, including an article by Uganda Today dated 4th September 2025 titled “Minister Babalanda Embroiled in Kololo Property Grab Scandal,” as well as widely circulated audio recordings, fabricated WhatsApp messages, and photographs falsely linking her to one Mr. Numembi David Kenneth and alleging her involvement in a property grab in Kololo, Kampala.
Speaking to the media, Minister Babalanda categorically refuted and condemned the ongoing spread of false, defamatory, and misleading statements, audios, and images. She emphasized that all such allegations suggesting her involvement in land grabbing are completely baseless, malicious, and designed to tarnish her reputation for personal interests.
Minister Babalanda clarified to the public that she has never been involved in any land-grabbing schemes or property disputes in Kololo or any other location.
“The alleged WhatsApp conversations targeting the First Lady, Mama Janet Kataha Museveni, the audio recordings, and photographs are entirely fabricated and misrepresented, deliberately intended to damage my reputation and mislead the public,” she said.
Some publications have even falsely claimed that Hon. Babalanda does not respect the First Lady.
“This is completely untrue and malicious. I hold the First Lady, Mama Janet Kataha Museveni, in the highest regard. She is my mentor, a mother of the nation, and a role model. I have never, in any way, demeaned her,” the Minister stated.
“These actions are part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at undermining my ability to carry out my constitutional duties as a public servant,” she added.
Minister Babalanda further stated, “If Dr. Ssemugenyi or any other individuals genuinely believe they have legal claims regarding the subject property, the proper avenue is the courts of law, not social media or online tabloids. Resorting to smear campaigns only demonstrates bad faith and an intention to scandalize rather than seek justice.”
Through her legal team, the Minister has formally petitioned the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to investigate the publications, demand immediate retractions and public apologies, and pursue all available legal remedies against those spreading false allegations in her name.
“As a senior leader, I urge the public and media platforms to exercise professionalism, verify facts before publication, and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated claims or dangerous propaganda,” she said.
“I remain fully committed to serving the people of the Republic of Uganda and will not be distracted by baseless attacks intended to tarnish my legacy,” Minister Babalanda concluded.
