Fresh reports from the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters indicate growing panic among top party officials, including party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, after learning that some of their members who were denied party flags are now in secret talks with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) camp led by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
According to reliable sources, these discussions revolve around the possibility of the affected candidates being sponsored to contest as independents, with promises of government support once they make it to Parliament. It’s alleged that some of these candidates could be “assured of victory” in return for supporting government positions when the need arises.
Those Said to Be in Talks
Among those reportedly involved are Hon Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West), Hon Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East), Hon Joyce Bagala (Mityana), Hon Abed Bwanika (Kimaanya–Kabonera), and Hon Mathias Mpuuga (Nyendo–Mukungwe) although the Mpuuga and Bwanika belong to the Democratic Front.
Insiders reveal that Kyagulanyi was particularly disappointed to hear that Hon Bagala and Hon Mpuuga were part of the list. Sources claim Bagala’s relationship with the party leadership changed after she allegedly received external help to win her 2021 election petition. Similar tensions between Mpuuga and the party president have also been visible since the “service award” saga earlier this year.
Allegations Behind Ticket Denials
Party insiders say several disputes arose during the vetting process for NUP flag bearers.
In Makindye West, Hon Ssewanyana’s supporters accused the party of bias after the ticket was reportedly handed to Hon Zahara, who they allege has a personal relationship with former mayor Mulyanyama.
In Mityana, Hon Joyce Bagala was denied the ticket in favor of Naboosa, said to be closely linked to Hon Zaake Butebi and Bagala’s close friendship with Mpuuga.
In Makindye East, Hon Derrick Nyeko’s team also protested the decision, claiming the selection process favored loyalists of certain party officials.
These internal clashes have reportedly left NUP’s top leadership on edge, with fears that the growing mistrust could weaken the party’s unity ahead of the 2026 elections.
As of now, the NUP leadership has not issued an official statement on the matter, but sources inside Kamwokya say crisis meetings are ongoing to address the fallout and prevent more defections.
