Former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga has expressed doubts about Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, becoming Uganda’s president, citing flaws in his leadership style.
Mpuuga, who has had a strained relationship with the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, warned that Kyagulanyi's approach could derail his presidential ambitions.
"May God help him; otherwise, if he keeps moving as he is now, he may not taste the leadership of this country," Mpuuga said during an interview with local media.
Mpuuga accused individuals within NUP of orchestrating efforts to undermine him but affirmed his resilience.
"If I were a weak person, I would be nowhere at the moment. Those who caused me headaches, I know them and their plans, but I am not shaken," he declared.
In a pointed critique of Kyagulanyi’s leadership, Mpuuga lamented a lack of respect and engagement. He revealed that since stepping down as Leader of Opposition, Kyagulanyi had not reached out to him, their interactions limited to public events.
"He can’t take a microphone without mentioning my name. Maybe he feels bad that I’m not with him," Mpuuga said.
He also accused Kyagulanyi of fostering a culture of insults within NUP.
"I have never seen a leader who uses a microphone to abuse fellow leaders. Leadership requires devotion and truth."
Reflecting on his tumultuous year, Mpuuga described 2024 as challenging but instrumental in his growth.
"If you are not challenged, you don’t grow. Problems and challenges only test those who are ready," he said.
Mpuuga has since formed the Democratic Alliance, a new political movement aimed at fostering dialogue among political players to promote peace, electoral reforms, and democracy in Uganda.
The move has drawn praise from some quarters, including Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who described Mpuuga as an "impressive politician and presidential material."
The Nyendo-Mukungwe MP’s fallout with NUP stems from disagreements over a controversial Shs 500 million service award he and other parliamentary commissioners received.
The fallout led to his dismissal as NUP’s Deputy Party President for the Central Region, further straining ties with the party.
Mpuuga wished NUP success in its struggle to remove President Museveni but remained critical of its leadership.
"I have new ideas and wish the leadership of NUP the best. But leadership needs people who can advise with devotion and truth," he said.
