MP Abed Bwanika Says That NUP’s National Executive Committee Is Made Of Family Members

Kimaanya-Kabonera Member of Parliament (MP) Abed Bwanika has attracted controversy with his recent remarks likening the internal dynamics of the National Unity Platform (NUP), a party to which he belongs, to an intensive care unit (ICU) scenario.

During his appearance on NBS TV’s Frontline show last evening, Bwanika, aligned with former Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga amidst the ongoing Mpuuga-NUP rift, expressed grave concerns about the state of affairs within NUP, asserting his reluctance to endorse what he perceives as a faltering trajectory.

He articulated, “It resembles a familial gathering rather than a political entity, lacking in organizational structure, coherent ideology, and a unifying national ethos.”

Further elaborating, he remarked, “During a purported gathering with members of the NUP National Executive Committee, I encountered unfamiliar faces, including Nubian Lee, Mr. Mosh, and Eddie Mutwe.”

Bwanika’s remarks have ignited a firestorm of criticism directed towards him, with calls for his departure from the party and the establishment of his own political platform.

Edward Lule remarked, “You willingly affiliated yourself with NUP, leveraging it for parliamentary representation; you have the liberty to disassociate yourself. Seasoned politicians like you have consistently underestimated Robert Kyagulanyi, but his trajectory remains unpredictable.”

Meanwhile, Kigozi Charles opined, “They lament NUP’s purported decline yet resist departure; let’s observe if indeed it will falter.”

The genesis of the NUP-Mpuuga standoff traces back to the party’s demand for Mpuuga’s resignation from his parliamentary commissioner post, citing allegations of corruption and misconduct.

In rebuttal, Mpuuga rebuffed the demand, citing the Shs500 million ‘Service Award’ funds bestowed upon him by the Parliamentary Commission as legitimate gratuity, absolving him of any wrongdoing.

This discord has escalated into a contentious exchange involving various NUP figures, including party leader Robert Kyagulanyi and Mpuuga. Many speculate that this internal strife could potentially fracture the cohesive front of the foremost opposition party.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) emerged as a pivotal force in Ugandan politics, embodying aspirations for change and reform. Its roots trace back to the dynamics of the People Power Movement, spearheaded by charismatic musician turned politician, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. Born out of a desire to challenge the entrenched rule of President Yoweri Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM), NUP symbolizes a new wave of political consciousness and activism in Uganda.

To understand the genesis of NUP, it’s essential to delve into the socio-political landscape of Uganda leading up to its formation. For decades, Uganda has grappled with issues of political repression, corruption, economic stagnation, and social inequality under the prolonged rule of President Museveni. Despite initial promises of liberation and progress following the overthrow of Milton Obote’s regime in 1986, Museveni’s regime gradually became characterized by authoritarian tendencies, human rights abuses, and a stifling of dissenting voices.

The disillusionment and frustration among Ugandan youth and marginalized communities reached a tipping point in the early 21st century. Bobi Wine, a prominent figure in Uganda’s music industry, transitioned into politics, leveraging his popularity and grassroots appeal to galvanize support for change. His message resonated with the disenfranchised youth and urban poor, who saw in him a beacon of hope for a better future.

In 2017, Bobi Wine officially entered politics by contesting and winning the parliamentary seat for Kyadondo East constituency as an independent candidate. His victory sent shockwaves through the political establishment, signaling the emergence of a formidable challenger to Museveni’s decades-long grip on power. Bobi Wine’s platform centered on themes of youth empowerment, social justice, and accountability, striking a chord with a population hungry for change.

The momentum behind Bobi Wine’s movement continued to swell, culminating in the formation of the People Power Movement. This grassroots movement transcended traditional party lines, uniting Ugandans from diverse backgrounds under a common vision of political reform and democratic renewal. People Power emerged as a potent force for mobilization and advocacy, utilizing social media and grassroots organizing to amplify its message and reach.

As the People Power Movement gained traction, calls for a more structured and organized political entity began to surface. Recognizing the need for a cohesive political platform to translate grassroots support into tangible electoral gains, Bobi Wine and his allies embarked on the journey to establish the National Unity Platform. The formation of NUP represented a strategic evolution of the People Power Movement, providing a formalized structure and platform for political engagement.

In July 2019, the National Unity Platform was officially unveiled as Uganda’s newest political party, with Bobi Wine assuming leadership as its founding president. The party’s name encapsulated its overarching vision of unity and inclusivity, aiming to bridge divides and mobilize support across diverse constituencies. NUP positioned itself as a progressive alternative to the entrenched political elite, advocating for democratic governance, human rights, and socio-economic empowerment.

The rise of NUP posed a significant challenge to President Museveni and the ruling NRM, prompting a crackdown on opposition figures and civil society activists. Bobi Wine himself faced harassment, intimidation, and multiple arrests as the regime sought to suppress dissent and quell growing discontent. Despite these obstacles, NUP continued to garner support and momentum, emerging as a key player in Uganda’s political landscape.

In the lead-up to the 2021 general elections, NUP emerged as the standard-bearer of Uganda’s opposition, rallying behind Bobi Wine’s presidential candidacy. The campaign was marked by widespread enthusiasm and optimism among NUP supporters, who saw in Bobi Wine a transformative leader capable of ushering in a new era of governance. However, the electoral process was marred by allegations of irregularities, voter suppression, and state-sponsored violence, casting a shadow over the credibility of the results.

Despite falling short of victory in the presidential race, NUP made significant gains in parliamentary elections, securing a sizable presence in Uganda’s legislative body. The party’s performance underscored its growing influence and relevance in Ugandan politics, signaling a seismic shift in the country’s political landscape. In the aftermath of the elections, NUP remained steadfast in its commitment to advancing its agenda of democratic reform and social justice, despite facing continued repression and persecution from the ruling regime.

Looking ahead, the future of the National Unity Platform remains intertwined with Uganda’s ongoing struggle for democracy and good governance. As the country navigates the challenges of political transition and societal change, NUP stands as a symbol of resilience and hope for a brighter future. With its grassroots support base and unwavering commitment to principles of inclusivity and accountability, NUP continues to be a driving force for change in Uganda’s political landscape.