Former Kawempe North Member of Parliament and Kawempe Division mayor aspirant, Latif Ssebagala Ssengendo, has said his decision to run as an independent candidate was down to concerns over internal party processes rather than a break from the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Speaking during NBS Face Off on Sunday, Ssebagala underscored the historical roots of NUP, stating, “NUP is a party that was formed through the People Power formation, so that is the backbone. As People Power, there is no way we could get support without getting it from the masses, and that’s why we are a People Power party.”
He explained that his independent candidacy was motivated by perceived deviations from the party’s founding principles during the NUP internal selection process.
“The reason I decided to stand as an independent is that what transpired in the NUP party process went against our original formation of People Power," Ssebagala said.
"It is unfortunate that the party’s ideology has been diluted by certain individuals and therefore the results that were released don’t conform to what is on the ground.
"All over the world, parties acquire power not only through their members but also through their supporters, and these supporters are the driving force for any party. My people and I had a mega meeting, and we all unanimously agreed that I should stand as an independent.”
Despite choosing to run independently, Ssebagala reaffirmed his enduring commitment to the leading opposition party.
“Despite my decision to run independently, I am still a staunch member of NUP and support Robert Kyagulanyi for President. I've had several invitations from various political parties asking me to join since I was denied a party ticket from NUP, and I said no,” he said.
Addressing allegations of financial impropriety linked to his candidacy, Ssebagala dismissed the claims.
“In my petition, I didn’t mention anything about money because nobody has ever talked to me about money. I have only heard those allegations, and those making them are the ones who should present their empirical evidence that money was being extorted from us,” he said.
Ssebagala also noted historical precedence for independent candidates supporting party flag bearers.
“When Bobi Wine stood in the 2021 elections, everyone knows that he was supported by members from various parties, and he welcomed them. So, it is not new for an independent to support someone in another party.”
Ssebagala’s remarks come amid a wave of NUP members who, after being denied party tickets, have either joined rival parties such as the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and the Democratic Front (DF) or announced intentions to run independently.
Political analysts have warned that NUP risks internal fragmentation, particularly in urban strongholds in the central region, as official flag bearers face stiff competition from former members running independently.
Critics have accused NUP’s vetting process of favoritism, bias, and candidate handpicking—a charge the party secretariat continues to deny.
NUP is set to commence its parliamentary vetting process on Monday in Wakiso District, West Nile, and Kigezi, a development expected to intensify scrutiny of its internal electoral procedures.
