Nakaseke South Member of Parliament Paulson Luttamaguzi Ssemakula has hit back at Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao, accusing him of siding with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party thus undermining the struggle for genuine democratic change in Uganda.
Speaking during Sanyuka One on One on Thursday, Luttamaguzi argued that some opposition figures have become comfortable with the political environment, prioritising personal gain over the liberation of ordinary citizens.
“I’m principled, and I know what it means to be a Ugandan. We have already sacrificed ourselves. This country should return to the citizens; we are too poor. Some people in the opposition are okay with the status quo as long as they are paid. Some of us will speak out; we shall not keep quiet,” Luttamaguzi said.
The Nakaseke legislator, a staunch member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), emphasised that the NUP’s message remains clear — to restore dignity, accountability, and economic empowerment for Ugandans.
He dismissed calls for NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine to respond to every political provocation, saying that leadership is about substance, not noise.
“Kyagulanyi does not have to comment on everything. A manifesto is a summary of the nation’s priorities,” he said.
Luttamaguzi’s remarks come just days after Mao suggested that the absence of police brutality in the ongoing political season had exposed what he called Bobi’s lack of a coherent message for the “New Uganda” he envisions.
Mao had argued that the lack of violent confrontation had deprived Bobi of the media spotlight that often comes with victimhood, claiming that the two time presidential candidate had failed to use recent rallies, including one in Nakaseke, to articulate tangible policy alternatives.
He further accused Bobi of resorting to personal attacks against government figures, including Gen. Salim Saleh, instead of outlining clear development plans for Ugandans.
Mao also defended government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), warning opposition leaders against dismissing programs that directly benefit citizens.
In a sharp rebuttal, Luttamaguzi said Mao’s comments were “a performance of self-importance,” accusing him of echoing government talking points instead of standing with the oppressed.
“Mao is giving himself self-importance that he does not deserve. The regime pays him to do that. Mao is a leader of a political party, yet he is supporting the status quo,” Luttamaguzi said, adding that journalists should focus on issues that truly affect Ugandans rather than “political sideshows.”
The NUP legislator described Mao’s current position as “political limbo,” questioning his continued relevance in opposition politics despite having accepted a ministerial appointment under President Museveni’s government.