Kyotera County Members of Parliament, John Paul Mpalanyi together with the District Woman Representative, Fortunate Nantongo officially confirmed crossing from the disgruntled Democratic Party to the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The two confirmed their decision on Tuesday. On Wednesday Mpalanyi was officially unveiled at the party headquarters at Kavule.
The dual claimed that DP lost vision and direction after entering into an agreement with the ruling party.
They accused Nobert Mao of weakening the opposition and mismanaging the party.
“I cannot continue serving in the same party that has lost its way and betrayed the political ideologies under which it was built.” Nantongo noted.
The NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi welcomed the new members. He asked others to also join NUP so as to drive the primary cause of reclaiming power and establish good governance in the country.
Nonetheless, some political analysts have punched holes in the decision made by Kyotera legislators at the time close to an election period, these claim they are targeting the NUP party ticket to thrive again.
Much as the electoral laws set time limitations for a member of parliament to cross from one party to another, analysts say other MPs such as Patrick Nsanja informally crossed almost immediately after the recent general elections.
Sources close to the two MPs revealed to us that the Kawempe North by-election is one of the motivational factors that forced them to take a decision.
“Kawempe by-election was a clear indicator that several candidates, regardless of being incumbent, would struggle to retain positions in the forthcoming general elections.” A source noted.
The political atmosphere had started changing in favour of the former MP, Haruna Kasolo, who had abandoned the constituency but later returned under the claim of responding to the electorate’s call.
Despite losing, Kasolo had established a tremendous legacy through the ‘Kasolo foundation’ in the constituency which Mpalanyi has failed to match.
Similarly, Nantongo is also assessed below lines compared to her late mother, Robinah Ssentongo whose legacy under ‘Kitovu mobile’ is still visible.
In the 2021 general elections, Mpalanyi garnered 28, 230 votes against Kasolo who collected 20,431. Nantongo garnered 49, 019, followed by Racheal Nakitende (NRM) who collected 26,137 votes.
Their victory was partially enabled by the alliance made with the current district chairperson, Patrick Kintu Kisekulo who had parted ways with Kasolo after frustrating his efforts to secure the party ticket.
However, Kisekulo and Kasolo have reconciled and are already on ground planning for Kasolo’s return.
In the past months, the two have had several engagements with Mathias Mpuga, the supreme leader of the Democratic Alliance. However, after weighing possibilities of winning under the movement, they ended up choosing NUP.
The journey to NUP was arranged by the Regional Coordinator, Charles Kirumira and Masaka City Mayor, Florence Namayanja.
The two coordinators assured Mpalanyi and Nantongo endorsement for the party ticket.
Kirumira being the current NUP party flagbearer, he had to confirm changing the playing position.
He opted for the position of LC5 Chairperson for Kyotera district. Despite the wave in the previous general elections, Kirumira secured only 4,004 votes, an indicator that Kyotera district was still one of the stronghold areas of DP.
Ruth Nassali, who already expressed interest for the party ticket to run for the position of the Kyotera Woman MP expressed frustration saying it is shameful for the party to prioritize newcomers over stalwarts who have been serving the party.
Dr. Tom Darlington Balojja, the DP District Chairperson says the party will front new candidates for the parliamentary positions.
He says since the election of the two legislators to parliament, they started showing indicators of defection and therefore their decision has not surprised the party.
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