A group of National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters in Mukono District has rejected the selection of Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze as the party’s interim district chairperson. The party’s leadership had appointed interim leaders in various districts to guide activities until the Electoral Commission approves the party’s constitution.
However, during a meeting on Monday where Ms. Nambooze was chosen, tensions rose as some members, particularly the youth, called for her to step down. They argued that other qualified members, especially those not running for office in 2026, should be given the role. Detractors expressed concerns that Ms. Nambooze might use her new position to suppress potential challengers in the upcoming election.
Zed Ssebadduka, one of the discontented supporters, stated, “We need leaders who will serve everyone’s interests, but Nambooze holding this office ahead of the general election will cause more confusion in the party, especially when we need unity.”
Ritah Nandyose, a councilor in Mukono Municipality, accused Ms. Nambooze of having a history of election-related violence and claimed her leadership could undermine efforts by the youth to replace long-serving leaders like her.
Mukono Municipality Deputy Mayor Rogers Bazannya revealed that a petition has already been sent to the party headquarters to remove Ms. Nambooze from the position. He described her as a “liability” to the party, arguing that she does not represent the interests of NUP members in Mukono.
In response, Ms. Nambooze dismissed the criticisms, attributing them to her political opponents’ attempts to weaken the party. She remained confident, stating, “We are aware of the tricks our enemies are using to weaken our party, but we will not allow them.”
Ms. Nambooze noted that the current challenges stem from the Electoral Commission’s delay in approving the party’s constitution, which has hindered many planned activities.
Mukono District NUP Registrar Richard Lugoloobi Kasirivvu indicated that they are awaiting further guidance from the party headquarters on how to handle the concerns raised by members.
The interim NUP leadership in Mukono includes Ms. Nambooze as chairperson, with Mukono District Woman MP Hannifah Nabukeera as her deputy, and other key figures such as former Makerere University Guild President Robert Maseruka and former Mukono South MP Johnson Muyanja Ssenyonya holding various roles.
 supporters in Mukono District has rejected the selection of Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze as the party’s interim district chairperson.){kind=link}