Reports reaching Kelele UG indicate growing tension within the National Unity Platform (NUP) after revelations that several party members who were denied flags for the 2026 elections are allegedly in secret talks with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) led by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the Speaker of Parliament.
According to reliable sources, the discussions reportedly center on sponsorship deals that would see these former NUP aspirants contest as independents with full backing from PLU and its high-level allies. The move has reportedly caused panic within the NUP top leadership, including party president Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine.
Among the names mentioned are Hon. Allan Ssewanyana and Hon. Derrick Nyeko, who recently lost the NUP party tickets for Makindye West and Makindye East respectively. Ssewanyana’s camp is said to have protested the party’s decision, accusing NUP officials of favoritism after the flag was allegedly awarded to Hon. Zahara, believed to be close to Lord Mayor Mulyanyama.
Hon. Joyce Bagala of Mityana is also reportedly part of the group after losing the party flag to Naboosa, who is said to be closely associated with Hon. Zaake Butebi. Similarly, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga (Nyendo–Mukungwe) and Hon. Abed Bwanika are also rumored to be on the list of those reaching out to the PLU camp.
Sources close to the NUP headquarters say Bobi Wine was particularly angered after learning about Bagala’s alleged role in influencing her 2021 election petition case outcome. It’s claimed her relationship with party leadership changed soon after the court victory. The same sources link Hon. Mpuuga’s growing distance from NUP leadership to last year’s “service award saga,” which further deepened internal divisions.
Political analysts suggest that if these alleged defections materialize, they could significantly alter the 2026 parliamentary race, especially if the government side offers strong financial and institutional backing to the independents.
As of now, neither the NUP nor PLU has issued an official statement regarding these reports.
