As Uganda prepares for the commencement of the 12th Parliament, internal discussions within the National Unity Platform (NUP) are intensifying, with several party members positioning themselves for key leadership roles.
In the Busoga sub-region, a section of NUP leaders and supporters has formally appealed to the party’s top leadership to appoint Jinja South East Member of Parliament Paul Mwiru as the next Leader of the Opposition (LoP).
The appeal reflects growing support for Mwiru within eastern Uganda, particularly following the recently concluded general elections in which NUP secured eight parliamentary seats in the Busoga sub-region. Supporters argue that Mwiru played a central role in the party’s performance and deserves recognition through a top parliamentary leadership position.
The calls were made during a thanksgiving event organized by Mwiru to appreciate voters for entrusting him with the Jinja South East parliamentary seat. The gathering attracted several NUP leaders, grassroots mobilizers, and supporters.
Speaking at the event, Andrew Muwanguzi, the party’s Head of Ideology and Training, praised Mwiru’s mobilization efforts across the region.
“Mwiru worked tirelessly to ensure NUP registers eight MPs from Busoga. The party should appreciate his efforts by entrusting him with the Leader of Opposition role,” Muwanguzi said.
He further urged the party to adopt a rotational approach to the LoP position, similar to the model previously used by the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), where leadership positions were distributed across different regions.
Muwanguzi noted that NUP has already had two Leaders of the Opposition from the Buganda region — Mathias Mpuuga and Joel Ssenyonyi — and argued that it was time for another region to take up the position.
“For purposes of national inclusivity and political mobilization, Busoga deserves representation at that level. Appointing Paul Mwiru would strengthen the party’s national appeal,” he added.
He also dismissed doubts about Mwiru’s suitability for the role, saying the party should trust him with parliamentary leadership if it had already entrusted him with a parliamentary seat.
Religious leaders and community figures also voiced support for Mwiru’s potential appointment.
Pastor Tom Ngobi, who previously contested for the same parliamentary seat, described Mwiru as an experienced legislator with the legal expertise needed to effectively execute the responsibilities of Leader of the Opposition.
“He is a tested leader who understands parliamentary processes. His experience and legal background make him well-suited for the position,” Ngobi said.
Supporters at the event also held prayers seeking divine guidance and favour for Mwiru as the party deliberates on leadership appointments ahead of the new Parliament.
However, some party members urged caution, emphasizing that while parliamentary leadership positions are important, the party’s broader focus should remain on winning state power.
Kenneth Paul Kakadde, a NUP leader in Nakawa Division, said the party’s strategic objective should not be overshadowed by internal contests.
“The party’s major focus at the moment is securing the presidency. That should guide our decisions and priorities,” Kakadde said.
Several Members of Parliament also expressed support for Mwiru, describing him as resilient and committed to grassroots mobilization. Among those who endorsed him were Moses Lukanga and Jimmy Kanaabi.
In his remarks, Mwiru struck a measured tone, pledging to continue serving his constituents regardless of the outcome of the party’s internal decisions.
“We took an oath to serve the people in accordance with the law. I pledge to serve with humility and uphold the Constitution,” Mwiru said.
As NUP prepares to make key leadership decisions ahead of the 12th Parliament, the push from Busoga has added a regional dimension to the contest for the Leader of the Opposition position, highlighting broader debates about representation, reward for performance, and strategic political positioning within the party.
