By The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially announced Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi as the new deputy party president for the Buganda region. This key appointment was made public during a press briefing at the party headquarters in Makerere, Kavule, marking a significant development in NUP’s leadership structure.
Muwanga Kivumbi, who also chairs the Buganda Caucus in Parliament, replaces Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga. Mpuuga was suspended from his position last year by NUP party president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. The suspension followed controversy over a UGX 500 million service award that Mpuuga received during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP). This decision sparked debate within the party, with some members questioning the ethics of accepting such awards amid NUP’s advocacy for accountability and transparency.
Kivumbi’s appointment is viewed as an effort to fortify NUP’s influence and coordination in the Buganda region, a critical stronghold for the party. His leadership in the Buganda Caucus, coupled with his parliamentary experience, positions him as a strategic choice to bridge grassroots mobilization with national political objectives.
In the same announcement, NUP revealed Ms. Jackie Jolly Tukamushaba as the new deputy president for Western Uganda. She steps into the role previously held by the late Jolly Mugisha, whose passing left a gap in the party’s regional leadership.
Speaking at the event, Kyagulanyi highlighted the importance of these appointments in reinforcing NUP’s commitment to addressing the concerns of Ugandans in all regions. He expressed confidence in the leadership abilities of both Kivumbi and Tukamushaba to strengthen the party’s organizational capacity and grassroots engagement.
“This is a new chapter for our party as we continue to grow and consolidate our structures across the country. We believe in leaders who embody our mission of justice, equity, and service to the people,” Kyagulanyi said.
Political analysts view these changes as a strategic move by NUP to realign its leadership in response to internal and external challenges. Kivumbi’s reputation as a vocal legislator and advocate for Buganda’s interests is expected to resonate well with supporters in the region. Similarly, Tukamushaba’s appointment is seen as an opportunity to strengthen NUP’s foothold in Western Uganda, where the party seeks to expand its influence.
The new appointees have pledged to prioritize grassroots mobilization, youth engagement, and addressing regional challenges, aligning with NUP’s broader vision of transformative leadership.
As the largest opposition party in Uganda, NUP continues to navigate the complex political landscape with a focus on consolidating its position as a voice for change and accountability. These leadership appointments mark a critical step in shaping the party’s future trajectory ahead of the 2026 general elections.
