On August 12, 2024, the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Mukono District witnessed significant internal unrest following the appointment of Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze as the interim district chairperson. The decision led to a chaotic scene at the party offices, where some members, particularly youth, voiced strong objections to her new role.
Nambooze’s appointment was part of a broader strategy by NUP’s top leadership to have interim leaders in place across various districts while awaiting the Electoral Commission’s approval of the party constitution. In Mukono, Nambooze will be supported by Hannifah Nabukeera, the Mukono district Woman MP, who will serve as her deputy. Robert Maseruka, a former Makerere University guild president, has been elected as general secretary, and Johnson Muyanja Ssenyonya, a former Mukono South MP who recently joined NUP from the NRM, will act as publicity secretary.
Despite the official appointment, many party members expressed their discontent. Critics argue that Nambooze’s position could undermine the party’s efforts to unify and prepare for the 2026 general elections. Some members worry that Nambooze might use her new role to stifle potential challengers. Zed Ssebadduka, one of the dissenting voices, voiced concerns about Nambooze’s potential to dominate the party and hinder other members’ opportunities.
Councilor Ritah Nandyose from Nsube-Nawuga Ward criticized Nambooze for her alleged history of election-related violence, asserting that her leadership could hinder the party’s efforts to reform and attract new leadership. Similarly, Rogers Bazannya, the deputy mayor of Mukono Municipality, reported that a petition had been submitted to the party headquarters to reconsider Nambooze’s appointment, describing her as a liability due to her perceived lack of alignment with the party’s interests in Mukono.
In response, Nambooze dismissed the criticisms, attributing them to political opponents aiming to weaken the party’s position in Mukono. She defended her appointment, emphasizing that the party is facing challenges due to delays in constitutional approval by the Electoral Commission. According to Nambooze, the interim leadership is necessary for maintaining party activities during this period.
The NUP party Registrar for Mukono, Richard Lugoloobi Kasirivvu, stated that the party would await further instructions from the headquarters on how to address the members’ concerns.
Interim NUP leadership in Mukono now includes Nambooze as chairperson, with Hannifah Nabukeera as deputy, Robert Maseruka as general secretary, and Johnson Muyanja Ssenyonya as publicity secretary. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa has been appointed as the secretary of finance among other roles.
