By Jamirah Khassim
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has appointed Jacqueline Namata, a promising young lawyer, as its new Deputy Secretary for Legal Affairs.
This appointment signals the party’s commitment to credible and principled legal stewardship amid growing concerns over the independence of Uganda’s judiciary.
Namata’s elevation comes at a critical time when Uganda’s judicial system faces intense scrutiny. The 2024 Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) highlighted increasing political interference and corruption undermining judicial independence.
Her selection stands out as a rare example of merit-based promotion in a system often criticized for nepotism and cronyism.
Since its founding in 2017 under the leadership of Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, the NUP has emerged as Uganda’s leading opposition party.
Market Intelligence Group data shows that NUP garnered 59% of voter support in the 2021 elections, challenging the decades-long dominance of President Yoweri Museveni.
The party’s broad appeal is further evidenced by defections from other political groups, including a wave of 21 MPs who joined NUP in August 2020.
Now, with Namata entrusted to manage legal affairs, she faces the challenge of steering the party through an increasingly hostile political and legal environment as the 2026 elections approach.
Political analysts believe Namata’s appointment could strengthen public confidence in the opposition’s legal credibility.
Legal scholar Dr. James Muwanga remarked, “She represents a new generation demanding accountability and justice in a system historically rigged against them.”
Jacqueline Namata’s rise not only reflects NUP’s strategic focus on building robust legal leadership but also serves as a critical test of whether principled legal advocacy can withstand Uganda’s complex political pressures.