In a controversial revelation that has sparked more tensions in the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), the party’s treasurer, Benjamin Katana, has accused Fred Nyanzi, the elder brother Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, of fostering tribalism and divisions within the party.
Speaking to our reporter on September 23, 2024, Katana expressed concern over what he termed “dangerous tribalistic tendencies” emerging among party members, specifically being caused by Nyanzi, the party’s national mobiliser, for discriminating against and undermining non-Baganda party leaders.
Katana, who was responding to his rumoured defection to NRM, claimed that the rumours of his defection and intentions to contest for a parliamentary seat on an NRM ticket are solely sponsored by Nyanzi, who has always accused him of being a mole.
“He has always called me a mole spying for my fellow Banyakole in NRM, so he is attempting to justify his conspiracy theory when he propagates such rumours in the media,” Katana said.
Another insider in the party confirmed Katana’s allegations but indicated that for a while, Nyanzi has been at loggerheads with the party treasurer for refusal to grant him unlimited access to the party funds, and in retaliation, he decided to malign him so that he is removed from the position.
NUP, which is a predominantly Baganda party, has always faced the challenge of accommodating non-Baganda members due to tribalistic behaviours exhibited by many party leaders and supporters, which extends divisions in the party from ideological differences to tribal lines.
Recently, the family of Jolly Mugisha accused NUP’s top leadership of ignoring her when she was admitted just because she is a Munyankole. They blamed Kyagulanyi for not giving her due medical attention abroad, as it’s always done to other Baganda party leaders.
Political analysts warn that if not addressed, such divisions could have lasting effects on NUP’s electoral prospects and its ability to present a united front against the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
