The internal politics of the National Unity Platform (NUP) took center stage on NBS Barometer on Tuesday night, as the party’s process for issuing MP party cards for the 2026 election sparked a firestorm of debate where seasoned legislator Hon. Medard Lubega Sseggona gave his first detailed response to being denied the party's flag for Busiro East.
Maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, Hon. Sseggona made it clear he was not surprised by the party's decision. “I am not bitter; I am actually better. I am not mad at my NUP party, and I have peace in my heart,” he began. “I saw the signs, so I wasn’t surprised by my party’s decision.”
He detailed his participation in the vetting process, stating he presented what he knew were the "best" credentials, only to be portrayed as arrogant by the media. “I was among the people who came up with the NUP party constitution, which highlighted the process of selecting flag bearers, only that it hasn’t been put into practice yet,” he stated.
With the party's decision made, Sseggona announced his next move. “I have no personal project in the Parliament of Uganda. I am always deployed by various stakeholders, the party, and the people of Busiro. Now that the party has made its decision, I am going to consult with the people of Busiro.”
Other panelists on the show largely echoed sentiments of support for Sseggona, questioning NUP's strategic direction.
NRM’s Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo offered a cross-party endorsement, remarking, “Hon. Sseggona is one of the smartest people we have. When it comes to the law, you can’t doubt him. He is NUP, but even we in NRM sometimes seek his help on legal matters. To them, they don’t like smart and outspoken people.”
Political analyst Charles Rwomushana framed the decision as a strategic loss for the opposition. “You can’t be in the struggle to take power and sideline people like Sseggona; he is good with the technicalities,” he argued.
NUP MP Hon. David Kalwanga noted that all members who participated in the vetting process should abide by its results, while former NUP member Moses Bigirwa suggested the move was predictable, stating, "I noticed how my colleagues were operating, and I realized I couldn’t stay in the party."
NBS Barometer, hosted by Adam Kungu every Tuesday at 10:00 PM, is precisely where these types of critical and unfiltered conversations about Ugandan politics happen. For Ugandans looking to keep updated on the political scene as it unfolds, NBS Barometer provides a weekly, in-depth look not just at the public campaigns, but at the crucial behind-the-scenes dynamics, like the internal party fractures debated last night, that will ultimately shape the outcome of the race.
