Fresh divisions have emerged within the National Unity Platform in Mukono District following public pronouncements by the party’s Buganda region deputy president, Muwanga Kivumbi, on preferred candidates for key elective positions.
Kivumbi, while addressing a rally in Nakifuma on Saturday, announced that Johnson Muyanja Ssenyonga would now contest for the LC5 chairperson seat instead of his earlier pursuit of the Mukono South parliamentary ticket.
He further mentioned that the party had agreed to field a “new and young entrant” in the Mukono South race, sparking speculation among supporters and aspirants.
Many have interpreted the reference to the young entrant as a veiled endorsement of Robert Maseruka, the former Makerere University Guild President and one of the parliamentary hopefuls.
The Mukono South race has attracted a tight field that includes Living Robert Kikulwe, Merhab Nalumu, and Wilson Male, the incumbent flag bearer.
However, Kivumbi’s declarations have unsettled many within the party, particularly those still undergoing the internal vetting process.
They question the basis of public endorsements before the party’s national executive committee reaches a final decision.
Mukono Municipality MP and NUP district chairperson, Betty Nambooze, responded through a message in her ‘Mukono Municipality’ WhatsApp group, urging members to remain calm and respect the evolving dynamics within the party.
She openly supported the decision to move away from Rev. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, the sitting LC5 chairperson, citing his detachment from party activities.
According to Nambooze, Bakaluba has continuously distanced himself from NUP principles since his election, often associating himself with the ruling government.
She pointed out that he disregarded advice from the party president, particularly on the formation of the District Service Commission, and had on several occasions publicly praised President Museveni.
The statement has drawn sharp reactions from both Bakaluba and other disgruntled parliamentary aspirants.
Bakaluba questioned the basis on which the party had made conclusions behind closed doors, despite the ongoing vetting process.
He argued that leadership disagreements should be handled internally and that he had never been summoned by the party for any clarifications.
“I was entrusted with serving Mukono and I have done so to the best of my ability. If there were concerns, I expected dialogue not public condemnation. I have supported party work even if I do not move around making noise about it,” Bakaluba said.
Julius Nkangi, the political assistant to Merhab Nalumu, also expressed concern over Kivumbi’s remarks.
He questioned the timing and appropriateness of declaring preferred candidates before official party structures had made final resolutions.
Other aspirants have directed their frustration at Nambooze, accusing her of influencing the internal processes to their disadvantage.
Nambooze, however, dismissed the allegations and insisted she has always introduced all contenders to the party.
She said the current hostility towards her stems from some candidates’ disappointment with outcomes that did not favour them.
“Leadership choices are not always about personal popularity. At times, the decision is strategic. I have supported all of them before and I hold no grudge. What we are seeing is politics of frustration,” she said.
As tensions escalate, observers warn that continued disunity in Mukono could erode NUP’s popularity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
With both local government and parliamentary positions on the line, the party faces a tough challenge in maintaining internal cohesion and public trust.
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