Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine has been sworn in as President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) for another five-year term.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the NUP Leadership School in Kamwokya during the party’s first delegates’ conference under Kyagulanyi’s renewed leadership.
In his post-swearing-in address, Kyagulanyi expressed gratitude to all who participated in the internal elections, noting that the uncertainty leading up to the event was due to the oppressive political environment they operate in.
“Up to the last minute, we weren’t certain the delegates’ conference would happen due to intimidation. But we have successfully held it, reconstituted our National Executive Committee, and we are up and running,” Kyagulanyi said.
“I congratulate all the winners and commend everyone who took part. It was noble for those who stepped aside, but even more noble and courageous for those who competed. In NUP, no one is a loser.”
He urged those elected to use their new positions to promote good governance, particularly in preparation for the upcoming general elections.
“Let’s get to work. We face a massive election and challenging times ahead. But by the grace of God, we shall overcome,” he said, adding, “We just concluded this process without chaos, insults, or infighting—something many other parties can’t boast of.”
Addressing the media after the conference, Leader of Opposition in Parliament and re-elected NUP spokesperson, Joel Ssenyonyi, condemned the state’s heavy-handed treatment of the party by security agencies.
“We are a registered political party, yet we continue to face harassment. We will write a formal protest letter to the relevant security agencies to question this mistreatment,” Ssenyonyi stated. “We urge our supporters to remain peaceful, but there’s a limit to what people can tolerate.”
Despite the event’s success, concerns have emerged regarding the transparency of the delegates’ conference—specifically, the number of delegates who attended and the criteria used to select them.
Ssenyonyi confirmed that the party constitution provides for 127 delegates, though he did not elaborate on the selection process.
Among those elected were David Lewis Rubongoya, who retained his position as Secretary General after running unopposed, as did Kyagulanyi.
Ssenyonyi overcame a challenge from Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana to retain his role as party spokesperson. Kassanda South MP Frank Kabuye was elected Secretary for Youth, replacing Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake.
Meanwhile, Akiso Benjamin succeeded David Musiri as the Head of Institutions.
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