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Out of 57 MPs invited by Mathias Mpuuga, 20 confirmed attendance
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Out of 57 National Unity Platform (NUP) MPs invited by Nyendo Mukungwe division MP Mathias Mpuuga to his thanksgiving event, only 20 confirmed attendance. Insiders say the others feared repercussions, such as not receiving the NUP ticket for the 2026 elections. The fallout between Mpuuga and NUP pParty President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) has ignited a revolt among lawmakers, with some openly siding with Mpuuga.
Six party legislators spearheaded Mpuuga’s thanksgiving preparatory meetings. Notable attendees included Dr. Abed Bwanika, Masaka City Woman MP Juliet Kakande, and others. Kyagulanyi and the Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, rejected the invite, with Ssenyonyi stating that Mpuuga no longer represents their interests.
The Fallout
The fallout between Mpuuga and the NUP leadership over a sh500m service award has jeopardized party unity, with predictions of either a new alliance or a bitter fight for the NUP presidency. The power struggle has also split the Suubi group formed in 2011.
To strengthen his position, Mpuuga co-opted old rivals and Democratic Party (DP) MPs who rejected DP’s cooperation with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). These included Dr. Phillip Lulume Bayigga, Richard Lumu Kizito, Fred Kayondo, and Kyotera district Woman MP Rose Fortunate Nantongo.
Preparatory meetings were held in various Kampala locations, organized by Mabikke and others. This team has distanced itself from NUP leadership since the 2021 elections and is mobilizing support to challenge Bobi Wine.
Mpuuga’s next move could include forming a coalition against Kyagulanyi or joining forces with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga group led by Dr. Kizza Besigye. However, given the Kyagulanyi-Besigye ties, this is unlikely. The group plans a rally in Nansana to further their agenda.
Nakaseke South MP, Paulson Ssemakula Lutamaguzi, dismissed the Mpuuga-DP bloc alliance as a minor threat to Kyagulanyi. Meanwhile, Kassanda North MP, Patrick Oshabe Nsamba, believes the Masaka fete will be a launch pad for Mpuuga’s next political move, doubting that he can mend his relationship with NUP.
Torch Media Africa
