Tough decisions for Tuff B as he defies NUP party

Former entertainment journalist turned politician Tuff B, whose real name is Robert Sekidde, has announced his decision to run independently in the 2026 general election after being denied the NUP party ticket.

Tuff B, a dyed-in-the-wool National Unity Platform (NUP) fan, announced the decision on Tuesday, claiming he was ‘rigged,” out of the party ticket in favour of Al-Hajj Ali Kasirye Nganda Mulyanyama. 

Mulyanyama, who earlier announced plans to run again as Makindye Mayor, surprised many when he switched to the parliamentary contest.

For Tuff B, who had eyes on replacing MP Derrick Nyeko, this was seen as a kick in the teeth from a party he loyally served.  In a bout of anger, he accused his political adversary of lacking academic qualifications.

“I have highlighted gaps in Mulyanyama’s qualifications, and his NRM rival is already jubilation because he knows the loopholes to exploit in court. I don’t want NUP to lose a winnable seat by fronting the wrong candidate,” Tuff B said during an interview.

Mulyannyama retorted, “My educational background is not questionable. If Tuff B is convinced otherwise, let him challenge me in court.

Tuff B maintained that, despite pursuing a different path, he remains loyal to his party and its leader, Bobi Wine, also known as Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. He also insists he is strong on the ground compared to his opponents.

 The Makindye East NUP primary also saw incumbent MP Derrick Nyeko lose his seat on the ticket. Nyeko conceded defeat gracefully in a post on his X account, saying he respected the party’s decision.