Bobi brother Nyanzi, MP Zaake trounced in closed door delegates conference

KAMPALA - Following a highly confidential delegates conference convened Tuesday, June 11, 2025, at the National Unity Platform (NUP) School of Leadership in Kamwokya by the major opposition party in parliament, news coming in shows that two senior party leaders lost elections unexpectedly.

Barely two years after leaving the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party where he has been an active political activist, little-known foot soldiers, Habib Buwembo defeated Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu alias Chairman Nyanzi to become the head of mobilisation for NUP for the next five years.

Bobi Wine is alleged to have been re-elected as unopposed.

Buwembo’s political journey started during his youthful days when he was an active member in Justice Forum Party (JEEMA) before moving to FDC where he was famous for supporting former party president now Peoples’ Front for Freedom (PFF) party leader, Dr. Col. (rtd) Kiiza Besigye’s defiance and street campaign.

“Buwembo has been an active member in opposition politics. He has been arrested more than 100 times because of engaging in political activism and defiance campaigns,” Harriet Chemtai, the electoral management committee chairperson, said.

Buwembo did not only defeat Nyanzi but he was also contesting with Kyadondo East Member of Parliament Muwada Nkunyingi for the hotly contested position.

Although the full list of newly elected leaders has not been made public yet in an official party communication, Joel Ssenyonyi ran to NUP X (formally Twitter handle) to announce that a new National Executive Committee has been constituted.

“We shall be releasing a press statement with the details of who has gone through for the different positions because voting is still ongoing but later in the evening, we shall release a statement indicating who is where,” he stated.

As a consolation, Nyanzi was selected to become the secretary for international relations. However, NUP diaspora supporters, Hillary Sseguya alias Justice Hunter in particular discredited Nyanzi’s capacity to handle such a dignified role on his X account.

“Chairman Nyanzi Fred Ssentamu is not fit to be our secretary for international affairs. He lacks a background in diplomacy and international lobbying. If Nyanzi has failed with domestic policy on mobilization in Uganda, do you think he is a magic bullet for foreign policy?” he asked.

NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya retained his seat unopposed. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Zaake defeated

The Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Butebi Zaake’s name was not mentioned anywhere in the new list of selected leaders' congratulation on X platform signalling the end of an era for the controversial legislator who has failed to convince the 21-century youth with clear-headed party ideology.

Zaake lost his national youth secretary position to Kasanda South MP Frank Kabuye Kibirige who was allegedly elected the new secretary for youth.

Kabuye defeated not only Zaake but also Shamim Nambasa who competed for a similar role.

Kyagulanyi speaks out on colleagues who lost

Kyagulanyi, who was elected unopposed as party president for the next five years ending in 2030 together with secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya, consoled those who lost with calm to keep trusting in the party direction.

“It was noble for all of you who stepped aside for others. It was even more noble and courageous for those who participated and were challenged in the exercise. Nobody is a loser in the NUP party because you either win or learn,” he said.

However, Kyagulanyi warned those who made it to the victory against taking the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party contestants for granted, saying that the chosen ones should dress up to the fierce challenge.

Habib Buwembo defeated Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu alias Chairman Nyanzi to become the Head of Mobilisation for NUP for the next five years. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Deputy presidents retain seats

Regional deputy presidents for the party bounced back with John Baptist Nambeshe Baptist (Manjiya County MP in Bududa) coming back as the NUP deputy president for eastern region, Dr Lina Zedriga Waru (Arua) unopposed as the NUP deputy president for northern region, NUP deputy president for central region, Muwanga Kivumbi (MP Butambala) and Jolly Jacklyn Tukamushaba who was selected for NUP western region deputy president.

Tukamushaba comes from Rukiga district in Kigezi sub-region.

Benjamin Katana was selected as the party treasurer after a party consensus with Susan Mugabi Nakaziba threatening to grab his position.

The NUP party spokesperson, Allan Ssewanyana, the MP for Makindye West challenged incumbent and leader of opposition in parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, for the slot but was unsuccessful.

Others who were elected include Harriet Ageno from Dokolo district as secretary for policy, Andrew Muwanguzi from Kamuli district as the head training and patriotism development, Benjamin Akiso as the new secretary for institutions and Phanice Mary Akello from Busia district as the new deputy secretary for youth in charge of eastern region.

Flavia Apiyo Ramto from Omoro district was selected to become the deputy secretary for youth (northern region).

The conference passed several resolutions, including condemning state brutality against NUP members, supporters, and the media. The party also petitioned the Electoral Commission to extend the timeline for youth leadership elections.

A group of NUP founding members, led by Moses Kibalama Nkonge and Paul Ssimbwa, challenged the legitimacy of the leadership elections in court. 

The matter is set for hearing on June 16, 2025.