Ugandan Deputy Speaker Questions Opposition’s MP Swap, Sparks Debate on Loyalty vs. Competence
KAMPALA— Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has publicly questioned the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) decision to replace outspoken MP and lawyer Medard Sseggona with a candidate whose academic qualifications were later revoked, igniting a broader debate over political loyalty versus competence ahead of Uganda’s 2026 elections.
Tayebwa’s remarks, made on social media platform X and reported by UBC Uganda, targeted NUP’s selection process during last year’s party primaries for the Busiro East constituency.
“How can you replace Sseggona with Walukaga?” Tayebwa was quoted as saying. “I thought the Seeggonas would be the attorney generals & Mpuuga prime minister but Walukaga?”
The Deputy Speaker was referring to the NUP’s choice of candidate for the constituency. Sseggona, a prominent lawyer and occasional internal critic of his own party, lost the party flag to Joseph Walukagga. However, Walukagga’s nomination was later nullified by the Electoral Commission after it was determined he lacked the mandatory Senior Four (O-Level) certificate—a decision upheld by court.
Tayebwa framed the move as symptomatic of a wider trend where opposition leaders prioritize loyalty over merit, especially as election campaigns intensify.
The criticism, however, quickly drew counter-accusations toward Tayebwa’s own National Resistance Movement (NRM). Critics were swift to point out the NRM’s own history of replacing highly qualified officials, such as the 2021 shift from former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, a seasoned diplomat and PhD holder, to Robinah Nabbanja.
The exchange underscores persistent tensions within Ugandan politics regarding the balance between skill, experience, and party allegiance. It also highlights the recurring issue of defections and candidate eligibility disputes that frequently mark the country’s electoral cycles.
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