Mukono, Uganda
The recent selection of Johnson Muyanja Ssenyonga, a longtime pundit of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), into the structural leadership of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has caused tension through the party’s ranks.
The nature of appointment has sparked a storm of controversy, leaving many NUP members divided and questioning the decision.
The unexpected move has not only fueled internal discord but has also raised concerns about the party’s direction and the integrity of its leadership selection process.
Ssenyonga, once a prominent figure within the NRM and a former Member of Parliament for Mukono South County, was chosen on Monday to serve as the Mukono district party secretary for publicity.
His selection comes just three weeks after he publicly declared his allegiance to NUP, a shift that has left many long-standing members uneasy.
The NUP secretariat had directed leaders in Mukono to spearhead a pilot initiative aimed at forming a robust party structure from the district level down to the village level, a plan that was expected to bolster the party’s grassroots presence.
This initiative has already sparked a wave of opposition, with many questioning his loyalty and suitability for the role.
However, the process for forming these structures was not made clear to the public.
In Mukono, a small group of fifteen people, including members of parliament and a few other party members, held a private meeting to choose the district leadership committee.
The meeting took place at the former residence of Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, right next to the NUP municipal party offices.
Meanwhile, several other party members, including the top party lawyer George Musisi, were left waiting outside, expecting the names of the nominated candidates to be presented to them.
The meeting was overseen by Farida Nabatanzi, the Central Region ‘Kunga’ Mobiliser. After a brief discussion, Ssenyonga was invited to join the meeting.
When the special delegates finally emerged, they presented a list of selected committee members, which differed from the expected nominees.
Nambooze announced the names of the committee members from the bottom up, the selected included Robert Maseruka as Secretary-General, followed by Ssenyonga Muyanja as Publicity Secretary, Rev. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa as Treasurer, and Betty Nambooze as Chairperson, with Hanifah Nabukeera as her deputy.
Conflict at a Glance
The moment Muyanja Ssenyonga’s name was mentioned as one of the leaders, the room erupted into strong protests. Members were outraged, questioning how he had secured a leadership position just weeks after defecting from the NRM.
Ronald Kabali, one of the members, argued that Muyanja should first learn the party’s principles before taking on any leadership role. He pointed out that the district already has many capable members who are well-versed in the party’s ideologies and could serve as better mobilisers.
The tension escalated further when Nambooze announced herself as the district chairperson. Several members accused her of orchestrating and influencing the selection process to serve her interests.
“We are tired of this woman in our area politics, she influenced fellow leaders to conduct everything inside her house with a purpose. Now that she has managed to get on the top, her target is to influence who gets the party card within the district soon.” Ritah Nandyose noted.
Nonetheless, Nambooze responded by claiming that those opposing the district party leadership are against the party itself and are being paid by the NRM to stir up internal conflicts.
George Musisi, the party’s lawyer, expressed his surprise at the entire process, stating that it lacked clear direction and could hardly be considered fair.
“People are right to protest, the leaders read out to them, the party under which they belong fights for justice they ought to see in every process. But then to have such selections leaves them confused.” Musisi noted.
Behind the Selection
This website has been closely following the leaders and political dynamics in Mukono district. Over time, it has noted that Nambooze has been quite open to welcoming new members into the party.
However, it hasn’t shied away from criticism, especially from analysts who suggest that she may be trying to bring in new members to push out older ones who no longer see her as a significant political figure in the area.
The district leadership structure was formed within her home, which raises questions about potential influence. For instance, Robert Maseruka, a recent graduate from Makerere University, was chosen over more experienced party members, including MPs who might be harder to manage.
As for Johnson Muyanja Ssenyonga, he and Nambooze have been friends for a long time, though their relationship soured after Muyanja threatened to run against her in the upcoming election.
This adds weight to the rumors that the two may have reconciled in peace talks, with Muyanja agreeing to join the party under the condition that he would receive the party card for Mukono South in the next elections.
During a recent visit by Robert Kyagulanyi to the district, Nambooze requested his permission to select the best candidate to replace Rev. Peter Bakaluba as the LC5 chairperson.
However, as the elections approached, Nambooze instead decided to strengthen her relationship with Bakaluba to secure funding for various party activities.
Rev. Bakaluba is one of the wealthiest individuals in Mukono, with multiple properties generating substantial income.
While many analysts praise Nambooze for her strategic thinking, there are concerns that her long-term plans might deter young people from fully committing to the party.
They fear that their efforts could be overlooked in favour of older members who stand to benefit more from the party’s resources.
English 