NUP Infighting: Party Adherents Reject ‘Evil-Hearted’ Nambooze’s Interim Leadership

Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze is living in extreme fear after National Unity Platform (NUP) members in Mukono District rejected her selection not elected as the chairperson of the party’s interim leadership.

Recently, NUP supporters had been expected to gather and elect their leaders through a ballot, but the modus of Nambooze’s appointment sparked widespread criticism and opposition from NUP supporters in the district.

Nambooze’s detractors labeled her a “self-imposter who seeks to cling to the party” despite their “dislike for her.” They argue that she only wants to use the party as a stepping-stone to maintain her position in Parliament.

The NUP supporters in Mukono accused Nambooze of being “evil-hearted” and “selfish” for not willing to donate even a single penny to both the communities and the party, at large. Instead, they claimed she uses them as a “climbing stone to remain in Parliament.”

Nambooze has been in Parliament for over 17 years, having joined the August House in 2009 through a by-election. Her long tenure is now one of the concerns among party members who feel “she is out of touch with their needs.”

Nambooze is also known for being opportunistic, using her “acidic-like tongue” to apply a sympathetic approach that drives her to the positions she has held in public forums.

This time around, the approach may not work as Nambooze’s accusers now argue that she might use her new role to suppress other party members who might want to contest her seat in the next election.

Zed Ssebadduka, a dissatisfied supporter, voiced concerns that Nambooze’s appointment would cause more confusion in the party, especially when they need unity.

“We need leaders who will serve everyone’s interests, but Nambooze holding this office ahead of the [2026] general election[s] will cause more confusion in the party, especially when we need unity,” he said.

Ritah Nandyose, a councillor for Nsube-Nawuga Ward in Mukono Municipality, claimed that Nambooze has long been associated with election-related violence in the area.

“We cannot risk going into elections with Nambooze as the party chairperson in Mukono. Her authoritarian tendencies will not benefit NUP,” she added.

Mukono Municipality Deputy Mayor Rogers Bazannya noted that they have already petitioned the party headquarters to remove Nambooze from office.

“Nambooze is a liability to the party because she doesn’t represent the interests of NUP members in Mukono,” he stated.

In response, Nambooze dismissed the criticism, suggesting that her political opponents who aim to weaken the opposition party in Mukono District were influencing those speaking against her.

“We are aware of the tricks our enemies are using to weaken our party, but we will not allow them,” she asserted.