Kivumbi ‘Worried’ as Nambooze, Ssewungu Lobby to Replace Him as NUP Deputy President for Buganda
KAMPALA — Troubled Butambala County legislator Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi is reportedly deeply anxious after learning that his political comrades, Betty Nambooze (Mukono Municipality) and Joseph Ssewungu (Kalungu West), are secretly lobbying to take over his position as National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president in charge of Buganda.
According to well-placed sources, the two legislators are quietly approaching individuals who can influence party principal Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) to appoint a temporary replacement to hold Kivumbi’s office until his legal troubles with President Yoweri Museveni are resolved by the court.
Why Nambooze and Ssewungu Are Pushing for a Change
Sources indicate that Nambooze and Ssewungu argue that Buganda, being a strong NUP stronghold, cannot be left without a leader. They contend that the region needs a deputy president to help the party principal mobilize political support, especially with several by‑elections anticipated from multiple election petitions currently pending before various High Courts.
The two lawmakers are said to believe that a functioning leadership structure in Buganda is critical for NUP to maintain momentum and capitalize on any electoral openings.
Kivumbi’s Legal Troubles
Kivumbi has been locked in a protracted legal battle with the state. While the exact charges have not been detailed in these reports, sources refer to his “troubles with Gen. Museveni” that are still being adjudicated. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) typically requires only six months to commit accused persons to the High Court for trial, but insiders say investigations into Kivumbi’s case are not yet complete.
This uncertainty has left top NUP officials confused, as no one knows when Kivumbi’s trial at the High Court will conclude.
Party Leadership in a Dilemma
“Top NUP officials are confused. They do not know when Kivumbi’s trial will be concluded because all signs show that investigations are still ongoing,” a source close to the party leadership revealed.
The apparent delay in the judicial process has fueled the lobbying efforts, with Nambooze and Ssewungu reportedly pressing the argument that the party cannot afford a leadership vacuum in Buganda for an indefinite period.
Reactions So Far
Neither Kivumbi, Nambooze, nor Ssewungu has publicly commented on the matter. NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi was not immediately available for comment.
Political analysts note that any attempt to replace Kivumbi while his case is pending could trigger internal friction within NUP, which has prided itself on loyalty and solidarity among its top leadership.
What Next?
For now, Kivumbi remains the NUP deputy president for Buganda. However, with the lobbying intensifying and the legal process dragging on, pressure is mounting on Bobi Wine to make a decision. Whether he will appoint an acting deputy president or wait for the court’s verdict remains to be seen.
Observers warn that a hasty replacement could be seen as abandoning a comrade in trouble, potentially alienating the party’s base.
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