KAMPALA – A compelling family appeal and internal party tensions are shaping the race for the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag in the Kawempe South constituency, following the tragic passing of its former MP, the late Jackson Sentamu.
According to reports, close family members and clan elders of the late Sentamu have personally approached NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), urging him to ensure the party’s electoral commission awards the candidacy to Chairman Abel Nyanzi.
The delegation, which met Kyagulanyi at his residence in Magere, argued that Nyanzi played a pivotal role in Kyagulanyi’s own life. They contended that it was Nyanzi who, through personal sacrifice, paid school fees for a young Kyagulanyi and groomed him into the man he is today, suggesting that without this intervention, “Bobi would be in the ghettos of Kamwokya struggling with life.”
This appeal adds a deeply personal and moral dimension to what is becoming a contentious nomination process. The family is reportedly calling for a debt of gratitude to be repaid.
The situation is further complicated by internal party dynamics. Sources indicate that despite his significant grassroots history, Nyanzi has maintained a low profile since he was reportedly relieved of his duties in the powerful “Kunga” group and moved to the foreign affairs office, a move insiders viewed as a demotion. This calmness is said to be on the advice of family elders who wanted to preserve the image of the broader political struggle.
However, Nyanzi’s parliamentary ambitions appear to be facing stiff opposition from within the party’s top brass. The party’s Secretary General, Lewis Rubongoya, is actively campaigning for another candidate, Hon. Shamim Malende, in the villages of Kawempe South.
This strategy has reportedly backfired, as Malende has been met with resistance from voters. Constituents express fatigue with what they call “entrenched political styles,” indirectly referencing figures like Bashir Kazibwe. This discontent has driven local support toward Dr. Roy Ssemboga, a resident who is seen as a fresh alternative.
With internal party estimates placing Nyanzi’s ground support at a modest 10%, NUP officials are now faced with a difficult dilemma. They must choose between honoring a personal appeal from the family of a fallen comrade, backing the candidate promoted by the secretariat, or acknowledging the rise of a popular local contender.
The party is expected to make a final decision on the candidate for Kawempe South by next week, a choice that will be closely watched as a test of its internal democracy and loyalty.
