Mawokota South legislator Yusuf Nsibambi has accused the National Unity Platform (NUP) of fighting him out of ignorance, suggesting internal opposition wrangles partly contributed to his loss in the recent parliamentary elections.
Nsibambi, who was defeated by National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Suzan Nakawuki, said his relationship with NUP supporters in the constituency and in Parliament had long been strained.
Speaking during an interview on Sanyuka Television, Nsibambi said the party lacked clear direction and was more focused on numerical strength than on strengthening the broader opposition cause.
“I have been close to them. For them, it is all about getting more party members in Parliament to weaken other parties, with the aim of making more money through IPOD and attracting sponsors. Their thinking is stuck there,” Nsibambi said.
He further accused NUP of ingratitude, arguing that the party’s presence in Mawokota South was largely a result of his own efforts.
“If it wasn’t for me, there wouldn’t be NUP in our constituency. I attribute the existence of the party there to my efforts single-handedly,” he said.
Nsibambi’s term in Parliament was marked by frequent clashes with NUP legislators, whom he has on several occasions accused of targeting fellow opposition members instead of confronting the ruling party.
His defeat places him among a number of seasoned opposition politicians who failed to retain their seats in the January parliamentary elections.