Africa-Press – Uganda. A row is brewing within the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Mukono South following the party’s endorsement of political newcomer Robert Maseruka as its flagbearer for the parliamentary seat, triggering backlash from long-serving members and local leaders.
The endorsement, announced by NUP Vice President for Buganda Region, Muhamed Muwanga Kivumbi, at a party event in Nakifuma constituency last Sunday, came shortly after the withdrawal of former aspirant Muyanja Ssenyonga.
However, the decision has ignited outrage among grassroots supporters who claim the process was rushed and lacked transparency.
Many accuse the party leadership of imposing a candidate without proper vetting or consultation with the constituency, raising fears of favoritism and internal exclusion.
At a heated meeting held in Kisoga this week, NUP supporters voiced frustration over what they described as an emerging clique within the party’s local leadership.
Some accused these leaders of making key decisions behind closed doors and ignoring the contributions of those who have worked to build the party’s base since its early days.
Robert Ssentongo, a councilor in Nakisunga, condemned the distribution of party cards to candidates before their credibility and ground support had been assessed.
He warned that such practices threaten to fracture NUP’s support not only at the parliamentary level but also in lower local government structures.
Among those opposing the endorsement is Dr Merabu Nalumu Kirigwajjo, a seasoned mobilizer in Mukono South, who described the process as a betrayal of party ideals.
Along with fellow aspirant Male Wilson, she has called for an inclusive and transparent selection process that values long-standing service over political expediency.
Dr Robert Kikulwe, another contender, went further, branding the endorsement of Maseruka as fraudulent.
He warned that without immediate steps to restore transparency and accountability, he and others may be forced to contest as independents.
Nalumu, who joined NUP from another political party, said she had expected internal democracy and fairness.
Instead, she now feels disillusioned by what she sees as “selective politics that reward loyalty to individuals rather than commitment to the party’s mission.”
The race is now shaping up around four key figures: Dr Merabu Nalumu, Dr Robert Kikulwe, Male Wilson, and Robert Maseruka — the latter having served as Makerere University’s guild president in 2023.
As discontent simmers, observers warn that unless the NUP leadership moves to rebuild trust with its grassroots, it risks internal fractures that could weaken its chances in the 2026 general elections.
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