(Kampala) – National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has criticized a proposed bill by Democratic Party (DP) Member of Parliament Richard Lumu, claiming it is designed to distort the Constitution and prolong President Yoweri Museveni’s rule.
The proposed bill seeks to amend Section 8 of the principal Act, allowing opposition MPs in Parliament to elect the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) instead of having the position determined solely by the largest opposition party. The draft states that the largest opposition party must nominate at least three of its members for the LOP election. Once elected, the LOP would no longer be a member of the largest opposition party and could be removed from office by a resolution of opposition MPs.
Kyagulanyi asserted that these changes reflect an attempt by the ruling regime to manipulate the political landscape. “Parliament has become a menace, and the majority of the MPs are being used by the regime. All these Bills and amendments that the regime is trying to bring up are intended to keep Museveni in power and distort the Constitution,” he said during a press conference at the NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule on October 21, 2024.
He further accused Museveni of using opposition party members to promote these bills, expressing his disappointment in some opposition figures who he believes have abandoned genuine opposition for personal gain. “Initially, I thought many of the opposition members were truly in opposition, but it has come to light that the majority of them are working for Museveni,” Kyagulanyi stated.
On the topic of electoral reforms proposed by Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga, Kyagulanyi was critical, claiming that Mpuuga’s suggestions are merely recycled ideas. “Term limits aren’t Uganda’s problem. If Mpuuga was bringing something new, why didn’t he propose an age limit instead? If term limits are restored, Museveni would still have the right to contest again. As NUP, we want age limits, not term limits,” he remarked.
Kyagulanyi pointed out that a significant issue in Ugandan elections is the appointment of the Electoral Commission (EC) by Museveni, arguing that if the EC were independent, elections would be fairer.
Additionally, Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, also a member of NUP, defended the party against allegations that it benefits financially from supporters detained in prisons. He questioned the motives of those making these claims and demanded clarification on who is profiting from the situation.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya urged Ugandans to register with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and announced that the party will soon resume its nationwide tour.
