Africa-Press – Uganda. Churchill Ssentamu, a contestant for Youth MP Central Region, has defended his decision not to use the National Unity Platform (NUP) party symbols on his campaign posters, saying it was a deliberate choice meant to promote unity.
Ssentamu, who is the Makerere University Guild President and son of NUP’s Fred Nyanzi, is also a nephew to Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, the NUP president.
However, unlike many expected, he has chosen not to lean on his family’s political ties as he pursues his parliamentary bid.
Appearing on Sanyuka Television on Wednesday, Ssentamu said he wanted to be seen as a unifying figure rather than being tied to a single political symbol.
“Yes, there’s an umbrella but they have to see me as a tent that will bring everyone together including those of the bus (NRM), keys (FDC) to ensure that we take the youth to the right direction,” Ssentamu said.
“The most important thing is to make sure we bring everyone together,” he added.
His choice of orange text on his campaign poster sparked debate among supporters, with many questioning why he did not use red, the colour associated with NUP and his family’s political base.
Responding to the criticism, Ssentamu explained that his poster colours were chosen intentionally to represent inclusivity.
“That’s why you see the words are in orange, my coat in blue and tie red. It’s intended to see that we push the right message (of unity). The idea is to preach unity. It was a deliberate move to come up with such a poster. So, the focus should not be on colours,” he said.
This is not the first time Ssentamu has taken an independent approach to politics. During the Makerere Guild elections, he surprised many by contesting as an Independent candidate, despite expectations that he would run under the NUP banner.
As he now seeks a national seat, Ssentamu says his aim is to rally youth across political divides and present himself as a symbol of unity, a “tent” for all, rather than just a representative of one political camp.
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