On Friday, a notable political rally convened in Masaka City Centre saw the conspicuous absence of former Leader of Opposition and National Unity Platform (NUP) Vice President for Buganda Region, Mathias Mpuuga, and Kimaanya/Kabonera legislator, Dr. Abed Bwanika. Their absence has fueled speculation about a potential split within the party that propelled them into Parliament in 2021.
Political analysts suggest that the absence of Mpuuga and Bwanika from the rally signals their imminent departure from NUP.
"It is now crystal clear that the two politicians parted ways with the NUP party and are on their exit route," commented Mr. Siraje Nsanja, a political scientist. He emphasized that the successful rally indicated the party's ability to mobilize support in Masaka without the duo.
"The massive rally helped Kyagulanyi reaffirm his political clout in the area and a testimony that he can continue having Masaka on his side without Mr. Mpuuga," Nsanja added.
In an interview with a local newspaper on Thursday, Mpuuga distanced himself from the event, stating, "I am not part of the day’s fanfare." This statement contrasts with his earlier declaration on Buganda Kingdom’s CBS radio that NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, remains his president.
However, just two days after this radio appearance, Dr. Bwanika publicly criticized Kyagulanyi's leadership, expressing frustration over the lack of respect and announcing Mpuuga as their preferred leader. "We are not looking for a leader, we have him amid us here," Bwanika declared, though he did not clarify whether they had formally left NUP.
At the rally, Kyagulanyi dismissed claims of disunity within NUP, attributing such narratives to media portrayal. He highlighted the party’s commitment to combating corruption and advocated for international sanctions against corrupt Ugandan officials. Kyagulanyi referenced the recent US sanctions against Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and other government officials, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Kyagulanyi rallied Ugandans to join the fight against corruption, citing the Inspector General of Government’s report that Uganda loses over Shs10 trillion to corruption annually. He assured supporters that while he can only remove corrupt individuals within NUP, broader actions would be taken once they gain power.
With a few exceptions, including Mpuuga, Bwanika, and Bukoto South legislator Dr. Twaha Kagabo, most NUP legislators from the region attended the rally. Masaka District Woman MP, Ms. Joan Namutabi, was absent but sent an apology.
During Kyagulanyi’s journey to Masaka, he encountered security stand-offs in Mpigi, Lukaya, and Kako, where police used teargas and live rounds to disperse crowds. To avoid attracting crowds in Nyendo suburb, police rerouted Kyagulanyi’s entourage and blocked him from opening new party offices in the area.
Masaka remains a stronghold for NUP, with the majority of local leaders affiliated with the party. However, the apparent split with prominent figures like Mpuuga and Bwanika raises questions about the party's internal dynamics.
Mpuuga is set to hold a thanksgiving ceremony on June 21 at Masaka Diocesan Sports Arena in Kitovu, with Buganda Kingdom Premier Charles Peter Mayiga expected as the chief guest. This event may shed light on Mpuuga’s political plans ahead of the 2026 General Election. It remains unclear whether the NUP leadership will attend.
