Written By |
Election Committee Chairperson, Harriet Chemtai who has been serving as NUP mobiliser for the Sebei sub region giving her speech at Makerere Kavule as Kyagulanyi claps. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Search
By Milton Niinga
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has unveiled a new electoral management committee and roadmap ahead of the 2026 general elections, aiming to usher in a peaceful political transition from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which has governed Uganda since 1986.
In a bid to end the political stalemate and foster a peaceful handover of power since Uganda’s independence in 1962, the newly appointed committee will oversee NUP’s internal electoral processes and preparations for 2026.
NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and other leaders arriving for a press conference after arresting Mutwe. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
The party's National Executive Committee (NEC) approved both the roadmap and the committee during a closed-door session chaired by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, at the party's headquarters in Makerere–Kavule, Central Division, Kampala.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, while addressing a press conference, emphasized the role of the new committee in identifying credible flag bearers using the structures established in 2021.
"This team will help us identify strong candidates within their respective regions based on the existing party structures. In 2021, we experienced challenges when some aspirants claimed they had been unfairly left out during the selection process conducted at the headquarters," Rubongoya said.
NUP secretary general, David Lewis Rubongoya while addressing the press conference on the new electoral changes a head of 2026. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Rubongoya unveiled a nine-member committee chaired by Harriet Chemtai, a party mobilizer from the Sebei sub-region. Ivan Ssempijja, former Makerere University Guild President, will serve as Vice Chairperson.
Other members include:
While the committee's roadmap outlines key activities leading up to the 2026 elections, specific details have yet to be released. Chemtai pledged to project a more inclusive image of NUP across Uganda.
"We are here to redeem NUP’s image and show a new face. We are committed to working diligently and causing the change Ugandans have long awaited. We will be a nightmare to the NRM," she said.
NUP party leaders at press conference in Makerere Kavule in Kampala. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Ssebuufu's Lawyer Details Prison Ordeal
Magellan Kazibwe, counsel for Edward Ssebuufu (alias Eddie Mutwe), revealed in court that his client was unable to take a plea due to his deteriorated health.
"The prison authorities have indicated that they will conduct a medical assessment at the Prisons Health Centre III or refer him to Murchison Bay in Luzira if his condition worsens," Kazibwe told the press.
Kazibwe further alleged that Ssebuufu endured severe torture during detention.
"He was electrocuted daily and beaten mercilessly. His private parts were squeezed, and he was photographed naked. When he screamed in pain, they turned up the music to drown out his cries," Kazibwe recounted.
Kyagulanyi Accuses Media, Politicians of Betrayal
During the same event, NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi took aim at individuals he described as collaborators with the NRM regime, accusing them of betraying the opposition struggle in exchange for personal gain.
"The Human Rights Commission chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, has repeatedly accused us of abducting our own people to gain international sympathy. These accusations are false. Our betrayal comes from within—by some members of the media and politicians," Kyagulanyi said.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu at NUP Headquarters in Makerere addressing Ugandans on tribalism sentiments in Mutwe's arrest (Photo by Milton Niinga)
He also cited the late former Kawempe North MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya, who he claimed had revealed that former Leader of Opposition and NUP Vice Chairperson for Buganda Region, Mathias Mpuuga, leaked party information to state operatives.
Kyagulanyi listed several journalists and political aides whom he accused of working against the party’s interests:
"I want to assure every Ugandan outside Museveni's inner circle: you will never be truly accepted. They will use you and discard you," Kyagulanyi warned.
In response, Farish Magembe denied the allegations, stating:
"Kyagulanyi is rapidly losing relevance among Ugandans who desire genuine change. We thought he would bring something new beyond what Dr. Kizza Besigye did, but the opposition is still rotating in the same cycle the FDC went through during its 20-year dominance."
Kyagulanyi’s fallout with Mpuuga and other former allies who joined NUP in the 2021 elections has continued to generate tension within opposition circles.
Torch Media Africa
