Muwanga In Early Ticket Celebrations, Now Claims Total Control In NUP

The National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President in charge of Buganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, has expressed confidence that his hard donkey work, has already secured him the party ticket for the Butambala constituency ahead of the 2026 elections.

Speaking on Radio Simba’s weekly show “Gasimbagane Nebannamawulire” on April 26, 2025, Muwanga asserted his position within the party, stating, “I am already a deputy president, and that puts me in a position to have already won a party ticket in Butambala, and in NUP, I want to assure everyone that I am now in full charge.”

The declaration comes after Muwanga’s recent appointment as acting Deputy President by NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, replacing Mathias Mpuuga, the pioneer party deputy president, whose mobilization strategy brought the party 55 MPs in Buganda of the total 57 MPs the party boasts of. Muwanga’s confidence stems from his new role, which he believes solidifies his grip on the party ticket.

However, the show’s moderator, Peter Kibazo, cautioned Muwanga against celebrating prematurely, citing the example of Sulaiman Kidandala, who was denied a party ticket by Bobi Wine to run as Kawempe North MP, despite his significant contributions to the party. Kidandala was the NUP organizing secretary for mobilization and played a key role in setting up the party’s structures.

Yet, a chest-thumping Muwanga dismissed the comparison, emphasizing that his level is different.

“Sulaiman Kidandala was not me. Did he have a territory? Was he an incumbent MP? Some things are not comparable, and I am above that debate without class because I have the party ticket, and in NUP, I am in total charge,” he said, clearly asserting his dominance within the party.

“In NUP, I want to assure everyone that I am now in full charge,” he reiterated, leaving no doubt about his intentions to lead.

With his confidence in having secured the party ticket, Muwanga expressed his readiness to work to satisfy his masters he did not disclose.

He also acknowledged past differences with Dr. Kizza Besigye, admitting to having accused him of micromanagement during their struggle. However, Muwanga seems to have put the past behind him, stating that Besigye supported them because they were inevitable.

The NUP party ticket has been a significant factor in recent Ugandan politics, with some candidates willing to go to great lengths to secure it. No wonder Muwanga organized a thanksgiving party in the constituency after his appointment, demonstrating his appreciation for the political life support in a constituency where constituents turned hostile to their MP.