Kyagulanyi calls out politicians using NUP as stepping stone

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National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has spoken out about his fallout with some former party members, saying many joined the struggle for selfish interests rather than genuine commitment to change.

Speaking ahead of his campaign rallies in Buliisa and Masindi on Thursday, October 23, Kyagulanyi said that while NUP was founded on the principles of justice, equality, and good governance, some individuals viewed it merely as a shortcut to power and political office.

“Norbert Mao (the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister) used to call them meal card politicians. Maybe he was right — some of them only needed meal cards,” Kyagulanyi remarked.

Currently on a mobilisation tour of the Bunyoro sub-region ahead of next year's general election, the NUP presidential candidate stressed that his focus remains on uniting Ugandans around a shared vision of freedom and accountability, not personal gain.

“We are not in this to enrich ourselves or gain titles. We are fighting for a better Uganda — one where leaders serve the people, not themselves,” he told cheering supporters.

Without naming names, Kyagulanyi appeared to reference several former NUP members who have recently defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) or become openly critical of his leadership, accusing him of intolerance and poor internal democracy.

Some politicians have fallen out with him over internal disagreements and leadership struggles. Key among them is Moses Nkonge Kibalama, the party’s founding president, who later claimed to have reclaimed its leadership. Former Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba also clashed with Kyagulanyi over party management and alleged centralisation of power. Others include Busiro East MP Medard Ssegona.

Kyagulanyi dismissed the allegations of intolerance, saying such claims often come from individuals who have lost sight of the party’s mission.

“Our movement is built on sacrifice and truth. Those who cannot endure the pressure of the struggle are free to leave, but we shall not abandon our principles,” he said.

He urged supporters to remain focused and not be swayed by “betrayal or propaganda” aimed at weakening the opposition.

“As we grow, we will shed off opportunists. We no longer deal with meal-card politicians but with people who have a revolutionary mindset. By the time we reach the promised land, we shall have the right people,” he added.

Kyagulanyi also urged residents of Bunyoro to resist divisions and emulate the unity and courage of historical leaders like Omukama Kabalega, who fought for the region’s dignity and freedom.

The NUP leader is in Bunyoro as part of his nationwide tours to revitalise party structures and prepare for the 2026 general elections.