KAMPALA – The National Unity Platform (NUP) is grappling with significant internal turmoil as it prepares to announce its candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections, with a secret plan to drop long-serving MPs and a bribery scandal causing panic and conflict among party officials.
The crisis erupted after confidential information leaked, revealing a contentious proposal within the party’s top echelons to deny nomination to all incumbent Members of Parliament who have already served two terms in the House. This plan, allegedly suggested by a senior official, aims to inject “young blood” into the party’s parliamentary roster, mirroring the aggressive approach that party leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) was known for when he first entered politics.
The reported objective is to field fresh candidates who can more vigorously challenge President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing grip on power.
Panic and Hospitalization as Proposal Leaks
The leak of this proposal has sent shockwaves through the party’s parliamentary caucus, leading to what sources describe as “total panic” among many incumbent MPs. The situation took a dramatic turn when Mukono Municipality MP, Betty Nambooze, popularly known as “Madam Teacher,” reportedly collapsed upon hearing the news. She was rushed to a hospital, where she is said to be battling for her life.
MPs like Medard Ssegona (Busiro East) and Joseph Sewungu (Kalungu West), who are also in their second terms, are among those reportedly targeted by the proposed clean sweep.
Internal Fears of a Mass Exodus
The proposal has, however, not been met with universal approval within the party and has sparked fierce disagreements among officials. Hon. Muwanga Kivubi has openly voiced strong opposition, warning that such a move could cause the party to “collapse.” He argued that many of the dropped MPs might choose to cross to rival parties such as the Democratic Front (FDC) or the People’s Front for Patriots (PFF).
Adding to the internal strife, sources indicate that Makindye West MP, Hon. Kivumbi, is particularly unhappy with the plan to drop his friend and colleague, Medard Ssegona. The tension is exacerbated by allegations that Ssegona would be replaced with the Mayor of Kyengera, a popular “Kadongokamu” singer, a move that has caused further friction.
Bribery Scandal Rocks Vetting Process
Compounding the party’s problems, a separate scandal has emerged involving the party’s Electoral Commission. The head of the NUP Electoral Commission, Ms. Chemtai Harriet, has taken a firm stand against corruption after reportedly declining a cash bribe of Shs 100 million.
The bribe was allegedly offered by an aspiring candidate for the Nakifuma constituency seat, who presented the money in cash at the party headquarters in an attempt to influence the vetting process. Ms. Chemtai’s refusal was so resolute that she called a press conference to publicly warn all aspirants.
“All those with plans of bribing the EC committee will be canceled,” she declared, sending a clear message that such practices would not be tolerated.
Her integrity has, according to inside sources, caused panic among some party officials who had intended to manipulate the vetting process by overlooking standard procedures for preferred candidates.
With candidate announcements expected early next month, the NUP finds itself navigating a perfect storm of ideological conflict, personal ambitions, and a critical test of its internal democratic and ethical foundations.
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