National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has appointed Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi as the party’s vice-president in charge of Buganda.
The announcement came during a press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Makerere-Kavule.
Kivumbi replaces Mathias Mpuuga, the Nyendo-Mukungwe MP, who was removed from the position following tensions with the party leadership.
His dismissal stems from alleged actions that, according to Kyagulanyi, undermined party unity and the struggle for democracy in Uganda.
A Warning and a Call to Action
Bobi Wine used the appointment as an opportunity to caution Kivumbi against repeating Mpuuga’s mistakes. He urged the new vice president to prioritize unity and loyalty to the party’s vision.
“As you take on this position, be mindful that Buganda is the heart of our struggle and our command center,” Kyagulanyi said. “If your command center isn’t firm, other places you want to secure will never be stable.”
The NUP leader emphasized that Mpuuga had failed to strengthen the party’s base in Buganda, instead sowing division.
“Mpuuga was splitting up the party with Buganda kingdom and its people, instead of uniting us,” Kyagulanyi asserted. He encouraged Kivumbi to embody the leadership qualities that Buganda—and NUP—need to move forward.
The Role of Buganda in the Struggle
Kyagulanyi underscored the strategic importance of Buganda to the NUP’s broader political goals.
He called on Kivumbi to ensure that the region remains a stronghold for the party, serving as a foundation for expanding influence across Uganda.
“You are our chairperson of the Buganda parliamentary caucus and chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. Since you have been appointed the party vice-president, you have to work even harder than you have been,” Kyagulanyi urged.
He stressed that unity within Buganda was critical to sustaining the party’s momentum nationwide.
Kivumbi Pledges to Stay the Course
In his acceptance speech, Kivumbi expressed his commitment to the party’s goals and its fight against the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). He echoed Kyagulanyi’s vision of unwavering focus and determination.
“Like the River Nile flows to the Mediterranean Sea, NUP’s main course is to reach our goal,” Kivumbi stated. “We won’t stop for those who branch off the struggle; they will have to find us on the way.”
Kivumbi’s remarks appeared to be a direct response to Kyagulanyi’s call for steadfastness and unity in the face of internal and external challenges.
Lessons from Mpuuga’s Dismissal
The fallout with Mathias Mpuuga served as a cautionary tale during the press conference. Kyagulanyi criticized Mpuuga for what he described as actions that undermined the party’s cohesion.
He alleged that Mpuuga’s dealings with the Buganda Kingdom created unnecessary divisions within NUP.
While Kyagulanyi expressed disappointment, he reiterated that the party’s doors remain open to all members, including those who have fallen out with the leadership.
The Road Ahead for Kivumbi
With his new appointment, Kivumbi faces the dual challenge of strengthening NUP’s base in Buganda while avoiding the pitfalls that led to Mpuuga’s dismissal.
Bobi Wine’s advice was clear: Kivumbi must champion unity, loyalty, and steadfast leadership to ensure the party’s success.
