-Deception, Allegiances And The Race For Supremacy In Mukono’s Politics
By The Insight Post Uganda
Mukono
Internal conflicts within the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Mukono district have persisted causing significant divisions within the political party. Central to these conflicts is Betty Nambooze Bakireke, who holds the position of Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament.
Nambooze is currently labelled a ‘political snake’ for her leading role in exacerbating these internal tensions by engaging in actions that appear opportunistic and self-serving.
The term ‘political snake’ is often used metaphorically to refer to a person who engages in deceit, manipulation, and cunning tactics within the realm of politics. It characterises individuals who prioritise their own interests over the well-being of their constituents or the principles of ethical governance.
Nambooze’s actions seem to be driven by personal grudges and greed for power and influence within the district’s political landscape. Her conduct is undermining the unity of the NUP and creating an atmosphere of distrust among fellow party members.
This behaviour is suggestive of a political maneuvrer, using her position and influence to undermine and weaken her colleagues in a bid to establish herself as the top figure in the district’s politics.
According to the affected party members, the manipulative MP has consistently employed cunning political tactics, resulting in emotional harm to her fellow party members and opponents, and even leading to the removal of some from their positions.
This time, Nambooze’s move, similar to that of a seasoned chess player, is aimed at censuring Mukono Municipality Mayor, Erisa Mukasa Nkoyoyo (NUP), in the upcoming council session on strong allegations of incompetence.
This development comes as part of Nambooze’s broader plan to fortify her position in the approaching 2026 general elections.
The shrewd politician’s decision to collaborate with officials from the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), raised eyebrows, and it has now come to light that this partnership carries implications that stretch beyond mere friendship.
The arrangement between Nambooze and the NRM involves a strategic exchange of favours. The ruling party is to field a less formidable candidate in the district, and in return, Nambooze would help ensure three vital positions remain in the hands of the NRM.
This symbiotic relationship aims to facilitate an easier path for Nambooze’s electoral victory while extending a calculated advantage to the NRM.
Expressing her concerns about the future, Nambooze openly admitted her apprehensions during a gathering in Lweza, Central Division. This vulnerability adds a human touch to her otherwise strategic and calculated approach.
Inside the NUP headquarters, Nambooze’s role revolves around strategically endorsing weak candidates hence easier to overcome in elections.
She is particularly focused on securing the District Woman MP position and has reportedly been considering other significant roles, including Nakifuma County and the Mukono Municipality Mayor.
Last week, Nambooze held a secret meeting with some council members to carefully plan and ensure their strategy’s success. This clandestine gathering took place in the secured confines of the NUP offices, doubling as her residence.
According to a source who attended a meeting, the MP laid out her plans to censure Mayor Nkoyoyo, entrusting this mission to a team led by Vincent Lubwama, a close political confidant and councillor at the municipality.
One of the defining features of this covert meeting was the strict instruction for all attendees to disable their phones to prevent any unauthorized recording of the conversation. This precaution, overseen by Nambooze personally, underscores the sensitivity and calculated nature of the operation.
The censure strategy focuses on convincing the electorate in Mukono that Nkoyoyo’s performance has been subpar, thereby rendering him incompetent for the mayoral role.
Additionally, the plan involves highlighting Nkoyoyo’s attendance at a summit in Kyankwanzi without official approval, further tarnishing his image.
If Nambooze’s ploy succeeds, Nkoyoyo will be replaced by William Makumbi, her loyal ally and current vice chairperson. The motive behind this calculated substitution is to erode Nkoyoyo’s popularity among the voting populace, consolidating her influence in the region.
Nkoyoyo Reacts
According to Nkoyoyo, his informants who attended the meeting notified him about the MP’s ugly plot.
“I know about the plan led by my colleague, the Woman MP, who is also a long-time friend, to undermine me. However, I remain steadfast because I still have people’s support, including the councillors she’s trying to influence,” he says.
He suggests that she concentrates on her role in parliament rather than hindering local services and tarnishing people’s names just because she’s worried about her next term in office.
As the political game continues, Nambooze’s move to censure Mayor Nkoyoyo adds a layer of complexity to an already intricate chessboard.
The intricate interplay of interests, alliances, and calculated strategies serves as a testament to the fascinating dynamics of Ugandan politics.
As the 2026 general elections draw nearer, the outcome of these political maneuvers remains uncertain, ensuring that the chessboard will continue to evolve with every calculated move made by the players involved.
Mediation Call
Recognising the detrimental impact of the internal conflicts on the party’s unity and overall effectiveness, the leadership of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has been urged to step in and initiate mediation efforts before it’s too late.
According to Nkoyoyo, the ongoing disputes have the potential to severely damage the party’s structure and public image if left unresolved.
“It is imperative for the NUP leadership to assume a proactive stance in confronting these internal challenges, preventing their escalation to a juncture where they imperil the very survival of the party,” he adds.
Other party supporters say mediation could involve open dialogues, conflict resolution strategies, and a focus on the shared goals and values that initially brought party members together.
They further maintained that by facilitating productive discussions and encouraging compromise, the leadership can work towards rebuilding trust and fostering a more harmonious atmosphere within the NUP.
The success of these mediation efforts will depend on the willingness of all parties involved to engage constructively and put the interests of the party ahead of personal agendas.
The leadership can effectively manage these internal conflicts, the NUP stands a better chance of maintaining its strength and remaining a relevant political force.
END
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