The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has defended the importance of political dialogue and cross-party engagement amid debates following a recent meeting between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and a delegation of opposition legislators.
Speaking on NBS Frontline on Thursday, Baryomunsi criticized what he described as the ideological posture of the National Unity Platform (NUP), alleging that the party’s agenda is centered on hostility toward President Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“We have elements in the Opposition who are disloyal to the Opposition. The President is the President for everyone. There shouldn’t be a problem when he meets one of the citizens. If we are to build democracy, we should be able to meet and interact,” he said.
Baryomunsi also dismissed claims that engagement with the President automatically confers personal benefit on those involved.
“Does Nsibambi look fatter than he did before he met President Museveni? It’s not necessarily true that people meet the President for personal gain,” he added.
The remarks follow a February 5, 2026 meeting at State House, Nakasero, where President Museveni met a delegation of opposition MPs led by Mawokota South legislator Yusuf Nsibambi.
The engagement has elicited mixed reactions within opposition ranks, with some questioning both the timing and approach of the talks.
Legislators in the delegation included Okot Bitek (Kioga County, FDC), Moses Kabusu (Kyamuswa County, PFF), Roland Ndyomugyenyi (Rukiga County), Fred Kayondo (Mukono South, DP), Richard Lumu (Mityana South, DP), and former Kawempe North MP Latif Ssebagala Ssengendo, among others.
In an interview with NBS Television on February 6, Nsibambi said the discussions focused on promoting national stability, peace, and reconciliation following what he described as a tense post-election period.
“The talks were about easing political tensions and promoting unity for development and stability,” he said.
According to Nsibambi, the delegation also raised concerns over the continued detention of individuals arrested for political activities.
They appealed to President Museveni to consider pardoning hundreds of political detainees and called for an independent investigation into the ongoing detention of Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, Buganda Deputy President of NUP and MP for Butambala County.
The meeting has drawn criticism from sections of the opposition, with some accusing Nsibambi of acting unilaterally and undermining collective opposition strategy. Critics argue that individual engagement with the executive risks weakening coordinated efforts to hold government accountable.
Defending his decision, Nsibambi said: “No one sent me. I am an elected MP, and I will engage with whoever I believe is necessary for the good of my constituents and the country.”
The developments underscore ongoing debates within Uganda’s political landscape regarding dialogue, dissent, and reconciliation.
While some opposition figures remain wary of direct engagement with the executive, others contend that open channels of communication are essential for de-escalating tensions and fostering national cohesion.
