KAMPALA, Uganda — Fresh details have emerged linking Speaker of Parliament Anita Among to a coordinated behind-the-scenes effort to back Kawalya Abubaker for the position of Leader of Opposition (LoP), in a move that is already stirring controversy within the National Unity Platform (NUP).
According to highly placed sources, Anita’s support for Kawalya became more evident during an Iftar dinner hosted at her Nakasero residence on 25th February 2026. The gathering, attended by several Muslim Members of Parliament, reportedly evolved into a strategic political meeting focused on consolidating support around key leadership positions.
Sources indicate that after the dinner, a closed-door meeting was held involving Anita Among, her husband Hon. Magogo, and a section of Muslim MPs. Those said to have attended include Hon. Mpindi Bumali, Hon. Muhammad Ssentayi, Hon. Kasolo, and Hon. Madinah Nsereko, among others. During the meeting, it was reportedly agreed that Kawalya Abubaker would be fronted for the Leader of Opposition slot, with Anita pledging to facilitate the process.
Kawalya, however, is currently at odds with his party, NUP, a factor that could complicate his bid and deepen internal tensions. Despite this, he has reportedly intensified consultations with NUP MPs in a quiet mobilisation drive ahead of the official announcement of the LoP position.
Multiple sources allege that Kawalya, described as a close political ally of Anita Among, has vowed to mount a strong challenge. There are also unverified claims that substantial financial resources have been deployed to influence the process, including facilitation of party structures, media mobilisation, bloggers, grassroots supporters, and opinion shapers to build momentum around his candidacy. These allegations remain unconfirmed but have heightened anxiety within sections of the opposition.
It is further alleged that Kawalya has been tasked with rallying NUP MPs not only to support his LoP bid but also to back Anita Among in the anticipated Speakership race in the 12th Parliament, with promises of political and logistical support said to be part of the negotiations.
In another development that has raised eyebrows, Kawalya is said to have arranged a private meeting between Anita Among and Prince Kahasim Nakibinge. Discussions reportedly touched on Muslim representation in key parliamentary positions, the Prince’s potential role as chief guest at Parliament’s Iftar Dinner, and broader strategic cooperation. Sources claim that Nakibinge encouraged subtle backing of a Muslim candidate for the Leader of Opposition position, with Kawalya emerging as the preferred choice. This comes amid growing concerns about Muwanga Kivumbi’s performance in Parliament, despite initially being considered the opposition’s likely flag bearer.
Kawalya’s political history reflects a pattern of strategic realignments. In 2018, while serving at KCCA City Hall, he joined the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and secured the Speaker position. At the time, Buruhan, an NRM member, became Deputy Speaker, a move that allegedly cost the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), which held the majority then, both leadership slots.
In 2021, Kawalya was again accused of working behind the scenes with NRM councillors in Rubaga Division to unseat a NUP-backed candidate from the speakership. Critics argue that his ability to navigate across political divides has ensured his survival, while supporters describe him as a calculated and pragmatic political operator.
As internal manoeuvres intensify within the opposition and ahead of key parliamentary leadership decisions, the unfolding developments are likely to reshape alliances and deepen fault lines within NUP and the broader opposition landscape.
This is a developing story. We shall continue to provide updates as more information reaches our editorial desk.
