The National Unity Platform (NUP) 'rebels' have decided against forming a new political party despite disagreements with the party's top leadership.
NUP, the main opposition party, is currently facing a significant internal controversy that threatens its support base. The conflict arose after the party's leadership demanded that Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba resign from his position as parliamentary commissioner due to a contentious "service award" of Shs 500 million allocated to him just six months into his term as the Leader of Opposition (LoP).
NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu also suspended Mpuuga from his role as the party's deputy president for the Buganda region. Kyagulanyi accused Mpuuga of bringing the party into disrepute and facing corruption allegations. Mpuuga, however, has dismissed these accusations as absurd. Amidst the escalating internal conflict, several leaders, including MPs, have rallied behind Mpuuga and are organizing thanksgiving prayers for him in Masaka city this Friday.
Joseph Kasirye, NUP registrar for the greater Masaka region, addressed the pre-event organizing meeting in Sembabule district. He rejected claims of a breakaway from the party, emphasizing that their efforts are aimed at restoring sanity and making NUP a more viable alternative to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Kasirye criticized the current state of NUP, describing it as plagued by high levels of intolerance and self-centered behavior among a group of leaders. He accused the top leadership of being preoccupied with promoting internal intrigues against others. Despite the conflicts, Kasirye stated that their group has not considered leaving NUP or forming a new political entity. Instead, they are working to mobilize members to join efforts to realign and improve the party's affairs.
The internal rift within NUP is a significant challenge as it struggles to maintain unity and cohesion. The disagreement over Mpuuga's award and his subsequent suspension has exposed underlying issues within the party, including accusations of corruption and mismanagement. The rebels, led by Kasirye, aim to address these issues by calling for reforms and greater accountability within the party.
The thanksgiving event for Mpuuga in Masaka is seen as a demonstration of support for his leadership and a call for unity among party members. By organizing this event, the rebels hope to galvanize support and pressure the top leadership to reconsider its stance and adopt a more inclusive and transparent approach to governance within the party.
The resolution of this internal conflict will be crucial for NUP's future as it seeks to present itself as a credible alternative to the NRM. The party's ability to address internal dissent and promote unity will determine its effectiveness in challenging the incumbent government and representing the interests of its supporters.
