Mabikke says NUP has been infiltrated by NRM, rubbishes vetting process

Former Makindye East Member of Parliament and member of National Unity Platform, Michael Mabikke has said that their party has been infiltrated by the ruling National Resistance Movement.

Mabikke also expressed concerns on the recently concluded party vetting process, saying it was dominated by corruption and tribalism.

Mabikke made these remarks while appearing on NBS Television's Morning Breeze, on Wednesday morning.

Mabikke said: "There are people who wear red during the day and go for NRM meetings at night. My opponent for example, who took the flag, is NRM."

Mabikke described the vetting process as "lousy".

"I got 45 out of 50 marks in the vetting process but they gave the card to my opponent. He can't be more popular than me," he said.

In response, NUP secretary general Lewis Rubongoya said there is no crisis in the party and although many people don't agree with the vetting process, it is all that the party could hold because they operate in a difficult political environment.

Rubongoya said: "We would have loved to have a different vetting and may be hold primaries but the state will not allow us to organise that. We opted to have an executive board as provided for by our Constitution to vet candidates."

Rubongoya also refuted claims of tribalism and corruption, saying that all aggrieved candidates were asked to report to the respective committee to iron out any indifferences.