The decision by National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya to contest for the Kampala Central MP seat has sparked a heated debate about the future of the party’s secretariat.
Often seen as the engine behind NUP’s operations, Rubongoya’s close involvement in party activities alongside President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has raised concerns over whether his shift to elective politics could create a leadership vacuum within the party.
While Rubongoya and his allies within NUP argue that he can handle both roles, political analyst Williams Kagaba cautions that this move could undermine the party’s cohesion.
Kagaba describes Rubongoya’s decision as “political greed” and warns it may pose a risk to NUP’s internal functionality.
Since his appointment as NUP Secretary General in 2020, Rubongoya has played a pivotal role in mobilizing party support.
His decision to contest for Kampala Central MP places him in a more demanding political position, one that could stretch his leadership capacity.
Rubongoya defended his decision, stating that his choice to contest for Kampala Central was strategic, allowing him to balance both responsibilities effectively.
“I understand the concerns, but I believe I can manage both roles. I will go through the party’s internal vetting process, and I am ready to accept the outcome,” he said.
NUP spokesperson and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, expressed confidence in Rubongoya’s ability to juggle multiple roles, drawing a parallel to his own experience.
“If I can serve as Leader of the Opposition, Member of Parliament, and party spokesperson simultaneously, I believe Rubongoya can also manage both roles,” Ssenyonyi stated.
However, Ssenyonyi did emphasize that Rubongoya must undergo the party’s nomination process, just like any other candidate.
“The party has established structures, and no one, including Rubongoya, is exempt from them. He will have to go through the necessary processes,” he added.
Despite these reassurances, political analyst Williams Kagaba remains skeptical, arguing that Rubongoya’s move is more about power consolidation than strengthening NUP.
“This is a strategic misstep that could harm NUP. The party needs a strong secretariat, and Rubongoya’s departure could destabilize its structures,” Kagaba warned.
He further advised the party to reconsider the move, citing the example of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“In NRM, the Secretary General position is full-time, with no elective responsibilities. The party learned this after Amama Mbabazi’s tenure, where juggling multiple roles led to instability,” Kagaba noted.
As Rubongoya’s political ambitions take center stage, the question remains: Can he effectively balance his duties as Secretary General with the demands of being an MP, or will NUP face challenges as a result?