Bukomansimbi residents are demanding a public apology from the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, following remarks he made during a funeral in the district last week.
The event, held in memory of Robert Kyagulanyi’s paternal grandmother, turned contentious when Ssenyonyi publicly criticized Veronica Nanyondo, the district’s Woman MP, over her withdrawal of support for a censure motion against parliamentary commissioners accused of mismanaging public funds.
Many residents found the comments inappropriate, especially given the somber occasion, and have expressed disappointment in Ssenyonyi’s approach.
Joseph Kamuli, chairperson of Kitanda Sub-County, criticized the opposition leader’s behavior, stating,
“The leaders we trusted to unite us are now undermining their own members. This behavior jeopardizes the credibility of the party.”
He further noted that the issue involving Nanyondo was long resolved, making the criticism unnecessary.
Some residents argue that Ssenyonyi’s actions reflect poorly on the National Unity Platform (NUP), which had been a source of hope for many in Bukomansimbi.
“NUP was the beacon of hope for us,” Kamuli said, “but incidents like these make us question whether the party can maintain the trust we placed in it.”
Hajj Muhammad Kateregga, a seasoned politician in the district, warned that such public disputes weaken the opposition’s efforts to challenge the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the upcoming 2026 elections.
He urged opposition leaders to focus on unity and resolve disputes internally.
“This is a time for leaders to lower their egos and mobilize the people to bring about change,” Kateregga said.
“Public criticism at sensitive events like funerals only exposes internal weaknesses.”
As the fallout continues, political analysts emphasize the importance of internal cohesion for opposition parties.
They argue that unity and strategic planning are essential if the opposition hopes to present a credible challenge to the NRM and regain the trust of voters.
Residents have also called for a more critical evaluation of leaders during the 2026 elections, urging voters to prioritize integrity and unity over party loyalty.
The incident has served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Uganda’s opposition as they prepare for the next electoral cycle.