KAMPALA – Robert Segawa, a National Unity Platform (NUP) councilor famously known for his fiery 2023 outburst against colleagues he accused of betraying the party, is now at the center of a new controversy after being denied the party flag to contest in the 2026 elections.
The decision has left Segawa, a self-proclaimed hardcore party supporter, devastated and questioning the very meaning of loyalty within his own political camp. The denial comes as a stark irony to many, as Segawa’s previous passionate defense of the party had made him a popular figure among the grassroots base.
The councilor first shot to prominence when a video of him addressing a NUP council meeting went viral on social media. In the heated footage, Segawa unleashed his anger on fellow councilors, accusing them of aligning with the ruling NRM government and betraying the party’s interests.
He specifically lambasted them for “turning their backs” on their party leader, Bobi Wine, and forgetting the political prisoners who had been “caged by Gen Museveni.”
His passionate tirade was met with widespread praise from party supporters across the country. Many saw him as a voice of the party’s pure, uncompromising ideals. It is believed that Segawa himself thought his loyalty had cemented his place within the party’s upper echelons.
However, the recent vetting process for the 2026 elections delivered a crushing blow. Segawa was informed that he would not be given the NUP flag to run for his position again.
The move has sparked debate and speculation within political circles. Supporters of Segawa see it as a blatant betrayal and a punishment for his outspokenness, suggesting that those he once criticized may have influenced the decision.
For Segawa, the denial is a profound personal and political shock. He is now left to wonder what his unwavering support ultimately meant to the party hierarchy, his public defiance having apparently not been enough to secure his place on the ballot. The incident highlights the complex and often brutal internal politics that can simmer beneath the surface of a major opposition party.
