In the whirlwind of Ugandan politics, scandals often brew beneath the surface, waiting for the opportune moment to seize the headlines. Recently, the Democratic Party’s (DP) president, Norbert Mao, found himself entangled in such a saga, one involving his Research Assistant, Beatrice Kayanja, and her ex-husband, Martin Kayanja.
The story begins with whispers and hushed conversations, escalating into a full-blown spectacle when Beatrice was spotted in compromising proximity with her boss during a trip to Gulu. Media platforms buzzed with speculation, and the public’s curiosity was piqued.
However, the plot thickened as reports surfaced, indicating that Beatrice was not just in the news for her professional closeness to Mao. Instead, she was stepping into the limelight due to her decision to end her marriage with Martin Kayanja, her long-time partner based in the UK.
In a move that stunned many, Beatrice filed for divorce, igniting a legal battle that promises to expose the complexities of their relationship. The divorce proceedings, filed under the case number HCT-00-FD-DC-0021-2021, are slated to appear before Lady Justice Ketra Katunguka Kitarisibwa, adding a layer of judicial drama to an already sensational story.
A Marriage Unraveled: Allegations and Accusations
The unraveling of the Kayanjas’ marriage did not occur overnight. It was a gradual process marked by suspicions, confrontations, and finally, legal action. Martin Kayanja, in response to the divorce petition, made startling accusations against Norbert Mao, claiming that the DP president had misled his wife.
According to Martin, Norbert Mao would call Beatrice late at night, even before she returned to Uganda from her UK residence. Frustrated by this alleged intrusion into their marital space, Martin confronted both his wife and the politician, to no avail.
“I told her to tell him to call at reasonable hours and not those designated for the family, in vain,” Martin lamented.
He further claimed that the title of “Research Assistant” was a mere facade, masking an extramarital relationship between Beatrice and Mao. This accusation, coupled with claims of Beatrice’s inexperience in politics and research-related work, painted a picture of betrayal and deception.
From London to Kampala: The Journey of Beatrice Kayanja
Beatrice Kayanja, an IT engineer educated at the University of Westminster, had been living in the UK with her family until early 2020. Her return to Uganda marked a turning point, not just in her career but also in her personal life.
Despite her qualifications and ambitions, Beatrice’s foray into politics hit a roadblock when her candidacy for the Kampala Lord Mayor seat was thwarted by the Electoral Commission. Allegations of lacking citizenship credentials surfaced, further complicating an already tumultuous period in her life.
The Divorce Proceedings
Beatrice and Martin Kayanja laid bare their grievances and accusations. Martin, adamant about the dissolution of their 25-year marriage, denied allegations of cruelty, drunkenness, and public humiliation.
“I will not contest the dissolution of the marriage, but I absolutely deny the petitioner’s supporting allegations as set out in the petition,” Martin stated firmly.
On the other side, Beatrice detailed a marriage marred by quarrels, disrespect, and alleged drunken behavior on Martin’s part. Her petition, filed on February 11, outlined a history of unhappiness and mistreatment, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle.
On Saturday, February 25, 2024, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Nobert Mao was introduced by his hugger-mugger lover Beatrice Kayanja in a covert Kukyala function. The clandestine event, attended by Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo and other eminent figures from the government and the Democratic Party, was a discreet yet significant affair.
