Kira Municipality MP Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has launched a scathing criticism against the National Unity Platform (NUP), accusing the party of flooding Parliament with inexperienced legislators, a move he says threatens Uganda’s governance.
Speaking on CBS FM’s political talk show, the outspoken MP argued that leadership requires competence, not mere popularity. He distinguished between the massive appeal of NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) at rallies and the actual qualifications needed for effective governance.
“Each person should specialize in what they do best. Politics is not entertainment, and mixing the two risks sinking the nation further into crisis,” Ssemujju warned.
The former FDC chief whip cited the late Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya as an example, admitting that while he admired his humor and defended him many times, he did not consider him fit for Parliament. He recalled a moment when the late legislator knelt before him seeking financial assistance for treatment abroad, saying such conduct underscored the lack of preparedness for high office.
Ssemujju also revealed that he once resisted pressure to replace seasoned Bugweri County MP Abdu Katuntu with then Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa, saying he felt “ashamed” by the directive.
While criticizing NUP’s approach, he acknowledged the party also has outstanding legislators such as Joel Ssenyonyi, but urged its leadership to “stop the habit of recruiting amateurs unless they fear being exposed themselves.”
On whether Bobi Wine himself qualifies to lead Uganda despite his entertainment background, Ssemujju chose caution but stressed that presidential leadership goes beyond charisma or what he termed as “masanyalaze” (electricity).
“Being a president and having masanyalaze are two very different things. You can excite crowds but fail to govern a country,” he remarked.
As he seeks reelection for a fourth term, Ssemujju will face off with NUP’s George Musisi in Kira Municipality, setting the stage for another heated contest between the opposition’s old guard and its new wave.
