The National Unity Platform (NUP) party has found itself embroiled in controversy as a boycott of the party’s Parliamentary Caucus meeting uncovered alleged private affairs among some Members of Parliament (MPs). The political split within the party intensified with accusations of a love affair between MP Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa and the former Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba.
The rise of social media as a platform to share grievances and hold public officials accountable has brought various issues to light. On March 20, 2024, a heated debate unfolded regarding the boycott of the NUP party’s Parliamentary Caucus meeting by several MPs.
Supporters claimed that these legislators were aligning themselves with Mpuuga, who had recently faced accusations of corruption related to a UGX 500 million service award.
However, the discussion took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa, woman MP for Mityana, had not attended the caucus meeting due to her alleged relationship with Mpuuga. Speculation surfaced that Bagala’s absence was not merely political support but an expression of her romantic involvement with Mpuuga. Reports suggested that the two were currently in Kenya, where they had been enjoying each other’s company for the past week.
Bruce Nahabwe, a vocal NUP supporter, took to social media to express his concern about Bagala’s absence. In response, MP Derrick Nyeko cryptically replied, “Love is blind.”
This comment sparked a heated debate within Kyagulanyi’s faction, leading to further revelations regarding Bagala and Mpuuga’s supposed romantic encounters during their countrywide tour while Mpuuga served as the LOP.
In contrast, critics of Kyagulanyi’s faction pointed out that out of the 56 NUP legislators, only 31 attended the caucus meeting, while 25 did not. These critics questioned whether it was fair to associate any MP’s absence from the meeting with a love affair between Bagala and Mpuuga.
Among those reported to have boycotted the caucus meeting were Abed Bwanika, Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa, Medard Lubega Sseggona, Bashir Kazibwe, Muwanga Kivumbi, Flavia Kalule Nabagabe, Aisha Kabanda, Charles Tebandeke, Juliet Kakande, Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, Godfrey Ssaazi, Allan Ssewanyana, Abdalla Kiwanuka, Michael Kakembo, Allan Mayanja Ssebunya, and Patrick Nsamba Oshabe, among others.
When contacted, Dr. Abed Bwanika, one of the boycotting legislators, attributed their absence to Kyagulanyi’s alleged poor leadership and lack of trust. Bwanika pointed to acts of extortion within the party, claiming that Kyagulanyi required each MP to contribute over UGX 5 million monthly, which he misuses for lavish parties and extravagant trips, including flights for his family and close friends.
The fracture within NUP comes after Kyagulanyi replaced Mpuuga with Joel Ssenyonyi as the Leader of Opposition in Parliament and subsequently revoked Mpuuga’s position as a Parliamentary Commissioner. Mpuuga maintains that he has yet to receive the UGX 500 M Service Award, which formed the basis for his dismissal.
Political analysts are closely monitoring the situation as they contemplate the future of NUP amidst this escalating rift. Additionally, many speculate on the consequences for Kyagulanyi and the overall status of the party, as several capable and intelligent members continue to rally behind Mpuuga. Only time will tell how this political turmoil within NUP will ultimately unfold.
