Mpuuga, Bwanika shun NUP mobilisation rally in Masaka

Former Leader of Opposition and National Unity Platform (NUP) vice President for Buganda Region Mathias Mpuuga and  Kimaanya /Kabonera legislator,Dr Abed Bwanika were conspicuously absent at a party rally convened in their backyard- Masaka City Centre on Friday evening.

The duo’s absence at the event, according to political analysts, confirms the two politicians’   exit from the party which gave them tickets to join Parliament in 2021.

 “It is now crystal clear that the two politicians parted ways with NUP and are on their exit route,” Mr Siraje Nsanja, a political scientist opined

 He said NUP’s successful rally in Masaka was a testimony that party leaders in the area can massively mobilise for NUP without Mr Mpuuga’s input.

“The massive rally helped Kyagulanyi reaffirm his political clout in the area and a testimony that he can continue having Masaka on his side without Mpuuga,” he added

On Thursday, Mr Mpuuga told Monitor that “I am not part of the day’s fanfare.”

Although the parliamentary commissioner on May 16,while appearing on Buganda Kingdom’s CBS radio said Mr Kyagulanyi is ‘his president’, two days later  Dr Bwanika told their supporters in Masaka that  they were  tired of being under Kyagulanyi’s leadership where they command no respect and announced Mpuuga as ‘ their leader’. However, Dr Bwanika did not say that they had quit NUP.

“We are not looking   for a leader, we have him amidst us here .It is us who brought Kyagulanyi and it is us who are saying  Kyagulanyi  is longer our leader  . We cannot entertain his [Kyagulanyi] ’s arrogance any more . We have tested Museveni and we cannot build another Museveni .” Dr Bwanika said

Speaking at the rally ,Mr Kyagulanyi ,said there was no disunity in NUP as it is being portrayed in the media .

“The only problem we have in NUP, which is also the same problem for Ugandans is changing leadership and removing corrupt leaders .That is why we asked our allies in Diaspora to impose sanctions against them,” he said in reference to sanctions US government   slapped against Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and other government officials

He rallied Ugandans to join efforts to fight corruption, saying it is suffocating proper service delivery across the board.

Quoting the latest   Inspector General of Government report on corruption, the NUP president said Uganda loses over Shs10trillion in corruption which is almost a quarter of the national budget.

“With the powers I have, I can only sack those who are corrupt within our ranks, but when we get into power, we shall do more than that,” he said

He urged his supporters to remain focused on the ideals   of the struggle, saying removing the current government is still possible through the ballot.

“History has shown that dictators fall at the time when they are seen to be stronger .Overcome fear and stand out to liberate our country,” he said   

Along the way to Masaka ,Mr Kyagulanyi had stand-offs with security in Mpigi and Lukaya Townships which prompted police to fire teargas and live rounds into the air to disperse swelling crowds   that attempted to block the usually busy highway.

To avoid attracting crowds in the usually busy Nyendo suburb  ,Police forced Kyagulanyi’s entourage to enter  Masaka via Kako Cathedral –Bukakkata Road  and  blocked the politician from opening party  new offices  in Nyendo township .

 NUP enjoys sizeable political support in the Masaka sub region and the area is considered as the party’s stronghold.  Currently, the majority of leaders   at various levels including local councils and Parliament subscribe to NUP except a few who have fallen out with the party like Former Leader of Opposition in Parliament and Nyendo-Mukungwe legislator Mathias Mpuuga  and Kimaanya /Kabonera legislator Dr Abed Bwanika.