MPs Ssegona, Ssewanyana among denied NUP flag

KAMPALA - The National Unity Platform has denied party cards to several influential and senior legislators for the 2026 General Election. 

In the recently released list, a copy of which New Vision Online has seen, the top Opposition political party led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, has denied Busiro East County legislator Medard Lubega Sseggona, Makindye West MP Allan Aloysius Ssewanyana, aka ‘Omusajja wa Bwino’ and Mityana District Woman MP, also former TV news anchor Joyce Bagala.

Sseggona, who was the party’s legal advisor, allegedly lost the party ticket to star musician and Kyengera town council mayor Mathias Walukaga due to his public support for a rival faction led by former Democratic Party (DP) legislator and president of the Democratic Front (DF) party Mathias Mpuuga.

Amidst ongoing internal party conflicts, Sseggona announced his intention to contest for the NUP party presidency after the end of Kyagulanyi’s two terms ending 2030, which, according to party insiders, angered the Makerere–Kavule establishment.

Sseggona chaired the Constitution Amendment Committee, which proposed reforms to the party's internal constitution.

Busiro East County Legislator Medard Lubega Sseggona who lost the NUP party card to musician and Kyengera Town Council mayor Mathias Walukagga addressing media after nominations recently. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Sseggona publicly supported the party's vetting process for candidates, describing it as a “test of commitment to the struggle", but it was not enough to secure him a party card,” said Samson Kasumba, a party member.

Party insiders say Sseggona publicly defied NUP's party line by supporting his ally Mathias Mpuuga, a former party member and Leader of Opposition in Parliament, who received a controversial service award of shillings 500 million.

“Sseggona refused to sign a censure motion targeting Mpuuga, rationalising that it was politically motivated,” Kasumba reasoned.

Sseggona delivered a defiant speech at Mpuuga's thanksgiving ceremony in early 2024, further solidifying his break with the NUP leadership, he claimed.

Sacrificial Ssewanyana 

Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana, who had pleaded with voters during NUP nominations to give him his last chance, citing his time in prison and recovery period, missed out on the party card.

Ssewanyana, who was arrested for over two years after the 2021 General Election with former Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya on charges of terrorism, has since been trying to court Kyagulanyi for the card in vain.

Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana who was arrested over Masaka murders lost the NUP party card to KCCA speaker Zahrah Luyilika addressing the media after nominations recently. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Accused of terrorism, murder, and attempted murder in connection with the wave of machete killings that occurred in the greater Masaka district, claiming over 20 lives and injuring numerous others, Ssewanyana had never been the same again.

“Many people wanted me to die in prison or even remain incarcerated for the rest of my life, thinking that it was the only way they could get my position,” he said.

“I have been betrayed at last after all the sacrifices I made for the party,” Ssewanyana lamented.

Petitions welcome

NUP party secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya, while addressing the media at NUP’s Makerere – Kavule headquarters on Tuesday, said that those who feel they were unfairly treated should go ahead to petition decisions made by the party.

“We have set up a committee for two days to listen to complaints of MP candidates who feel they were the ones who were supposed to get the card with reasons why. The aggrieved should petition the party within two days, like we did with the list of councillors,” Rubongoya advised.

The committee is headed by Dr Moses Kanabi, the NUP organising secretary; Jonathan Erute, Kassim Fatumah and Marvin Saasi, who should deal with such complaints, Rubongoya said.

Mityana Woman MP Joyce Bagala addressing the NUP electoral committee management committee during nominations at Kavule offices during nomination. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Rigorous vetting

According to NUP's EMC chairperson Harriet Chemutai, the decision to deny party cards to Ssegona and Bagala was based on a rigorous vetting process designed to boost grassroots support and front candidates who can deliver stronger performances in the upcoming elections.

“The party emphasised the need for renewal and positioning to win in 2026. The door is open for complaints to be handled,” she said.

With this decision, the party has introduced new faces to its lineup, including Prossy Mukisa (flag-bearer for Mityana Woman MP) replacing Joyce Bagala, Zahrah Luyilika, who was awarded the party's ticket for Makindye West Constituency, replacing Ssewanyana; Brasio Zambali Mukasa, a journalist and political newcomer, who has been awarded the NUP ticket for Nansana Municipality, replacing Wakayima Musoke.

Others included the elder brother of Kyagulanyi, Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, who secured the party's flag for Kawempe South to replace Bashir Kazibwe.

While the party leadership argues that it is refreshing its ranks with more credible and grassroots-anchored candidates, critics warn that purging sitting MPs risks breeding resentment and splintering the opposition vote.