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Mpuuga Calls NUP Leaders 'Old Infants'

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Mpuuga Calls NUP Leaders 'Old Infants'
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Mathius Mpuuga, a parliament commissioner and member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), made some bold suggestions for election reforms  while he was hosted on NBS Morning Breeze Talk Show. With the 2026 elections approaching, his remarks have caused division inside the party, especially with its president, Bobi Wine.

In order to make room for a second level of administration, Mpuuga has proposed shrinking the size of parliament, substituting a deputy president for the vice president on the presidential ticket, and reactivating Article 178 of the constitution to give regional governments more authority.

He emphasised that these reforms are essential to decongest the centralised political system, which he described as "congested and dysfunctional."

"Centralisation and dysfunction are fossils of the past," Mpuuga asserted. "We need to rethink how we govern and empower local regions. The public deserves a say in politics beyond the capital."

However, Mpuuga’s proposals have been met with skepticism from within his own party, particularly from the leadership. Bobi Wine, who has declared his candidacy for the 2026 elections, has been accused of sidelining necessary discussions on reforms. Mpuuga stated,

"I've offered my party a platform to discuss these proposals, but there seems to be a hesitance to engage. It feels like a ‘too little, too late’ mentality."

When pressed about the party’s current state, Mpuuga remarked, "The opposition is confused. We are not capitalising on the urgency of these issues.

We must have a conversation that includes all voices, even those who disagree with us."

The divide within NUP was further highlighted when Mpuuga expressed frustration at the party's lack of leadership in pushing for reforms.

"The opposition is meant to lead, but instead, we’re following. We cannot cede ground to those who want to keep the status quo."

Critics of Mpuuga's proposals have questioned the timing, arguing that they distract from the immediate preparations for the 2026 elections.

"The Electoral Commission has already rolled out its roadmap," noted Simon Njagala Kaggwa, the show’s host. "Are you throwing dice to test the waters with these reforms?"

Mpuuga countered, stating, "We are not just preparing for the next election; we are preparing for the future of our democracy. If we don’t address these systemic issues, we risk repeating past mistakes. The commission isn’t sacred; it can be influenced by parliament."

As the interview progressed, tensions simmered as Mpuuga confronted the implications of his suspension from NUP. He has been sidelined indefinitely, raising questions about his future within the party. "Reconciliation isn't a ritual. It's about genuine engagement. If the party leaders are sleeping on duty, I have a duty to call them out," he said defiantly.

This defiance signals a potential rift between Mpuuga and NUP’s leadership, as he continues to assert his right to propose reforms independently of the party’s approval. "I’m not here to rehearse for a personal ambition; I’m here to lead a conversation that matters," he declared.

Mpuuga’s insistence on reform is seen by some as a challenge to Bobi Wine’s leadership. He stated, "If the opposition is fractured, it's time we come together and have an honest conversation about our direction. We owe it to our supporters and ourselves."

The looming question remains: what will be the fate of Mpuuga's proposals and his relationship with NUP’s leadership? As the clock ticks down to the 2026 elections, the internal conflict within NUP may determine not only the party's strategy but also its unity in the face of longstanding electoral challenges.

Mpuuga concluded the interview by expressing hope for a renewed dialogue within the opposition. "We must not be afraid to address the discomforting truths about our politics. If we shy away from this, we surrender to the very system we aim to change."

With both Mpuuga's proposals and the rift within NUP taking center stage, the path to 2026 is fraught with uncertainty. As the party grapples with internal divisions, the question of who will lead the charge for electoral reform—and how successful that effort will be—remains unanswered.

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