Why NUP MPs Rejected Muwanga’s Victory Party For His Dream Position?

In a display of dissatisfaction, a significant number of National Unity Platform (NUP) MPs snubbed Butambala MP Muhammad Muwanga’s thanksgiving party, celebrating the appointment to his dream position of being the party’s deputy president for the Buganda region.

Minus former Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya who died a fortnight ago, NUP has 54 MPs from Buganda region. When the two MPs from the Eastern region including the party’s Eastern deputy president John Baptist Nambeshe are added on, it brings the entire membership of NUP in Parliament to 56.

Now the mass event, held on January 24th, 2025, in Butambala following last week’s appointment of the 3-timer MP who first schemed to become the Leader of Opposition was attended by only 21 MPs, despite Muwanga’s prominent positions as chairperson of the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus, and the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Skepticism

Many, who questioned his leadership abilities and accused him of “gross incompetence” and “arrogance” during his four-year tenure as caucus chairperson, met Muwanga’s elevation to deputy president by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine with skepticism.

Notable absentees from Muwanga’s thanksgiving ceremony were the veteran politician and youthful friend to the jubilant celebrant, the Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, who was also jostled for the same position.

One anonymous MP stated, “Ever since we joined the 11th Parliament, Muwanga has been our chairperson of the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus which is the largest one in Parliament with over 100 MPs, but he has never done anything tangible to the benefit of the caucus members, and the Buganda as a region.”

The MP added, “We have never had any weak and toothless Buganda Parliamentary caucus even under NRM chairs in the past as this one under Muwanga Kivumbi. It is under his leadership that Buganda has endured vicious attacks from political actors from the ruling Government, and the opposition.”

The MP asserted, “Evil deeds have overshadowed Muwanga’s leadership. Whenever I think about Muwanga’s leadership, I see him as a backstabbing politician who is the cause of the confusion among Buganda caucus MPs and a serial rumormonger.”

Instead of finding solutions, the MP said Muwanga has been cheering and fueling the confusion, backstabbing, and attacks against Buganda Kingdom officials, including the King, by NUP supporters led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine.

“There is no way I could have burnt my fuel and time to attend the thanksgiving ceremony for a self-centered person like Muwanga who prioritized short-term gains like becoming the deputy president, of Buganda region,” another MP said.

However, 21 MPs attended the thanksgiving party and these included Godfrey Ssaazi, Aisha Kabanda, Godfrey Kayemba Solo, Nambooze Teddy, Patrick Nsanja, Katabaazi Francis, Wakayima Musoke, and Betty Naluyima.

Others were Christine Nakimwelo, Robert Ssekitoleeko, Abu Baker Kawalya, Namugga Goreth, Hanifah Nabukeera, Hassan Kirumira, Brendah Nabukenya, Kiwanuka Abudallah, Hillary Kiyaga, Matovu Charles, Nabagabe Flavia, Charles Tebandeke, and Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of opposition (LoP).

No cause for festivities

Another MP who equally refused to join Muwanga for the thanksgiving party which was presided over by party big shots including Robert Kyagulanyi, (President), David Lewis Rubongoya (Secretary General), and Joel Ssenyonyi, (Spokesperson, and LoP), said there was no reason for Muwanga to celebrate a mere promotion from opposition to opposition.

“It is a shame that people who call themselves serious opposition leaders can find it necessary to celebrate positions while in opposition. It is like being promoted from P1 A to P1 B and then calling for celebrations. What is there to celebrate about when Museveni is engaged in early campaigns countrywide? What is there for the opposition leader to celebrate when Col. Besigye is in custody?”

The MP further questioned the timing and relevance of Muwanga’s celebration, saying, “Is there any reason why the NUP president would rise to tell the country that NUP is not about positions, but liberation struggle anymore? Or does Muwanga want to confirm his latest statement that he is among the type of stupid politicians posing as clever? We should rise above short-termism to give Ugandans hope.”

Short-termism

Muwanga’s recent behavior has also raised eyebrows, particularly his outburst on a Kiriza Oba Gaana CBS political show, where he accused the moderator, Medi Nsereko, of being a “wicked person” for not acknowledging his new title as deputy president for Buganda region. To MPs, this incident has been seen as a reflection of Muwanga’s arrogance and lack of humility.

With 33 members of the Buganda Parliamentary caucus failing to attend the thanksgiving party for their chairperson, raises questions about Muwanga’s ability to unite the party and effectively lead the Buganda region.

Not just the majority of the NUP Buganda Parliamentary caucus members that shunned Muwanga’s thanksgiving, even his counterparts in the north, western, and Eastern from other regions were equally a no-show for the festivities.