Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, the Secretary for External Affairs for the National Unity Platform (NUP), has publicly addressed criticisms from within his party, admitting to deliberately avoiding media engagement despite accusations of corruption and indiscipline.
Speaking to Bbeg Media outside NUP headquarters in Kavule, Kampala yesterday, Nyanzi, the elder brother of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, said his silence was a strategic choice, not a sign of weakness, and that he is “fighting back” against critics who he claims attack his character due to a lack of substantive issues to raise with their constituents.
“I want to tell you that I decided to keep silent not because I am weak but even in my silence I am fighting back my critics who have nothing to tell their constituents but to attack my personality,” Nyanzi said.
He emphasized his focus on his new role, which involves mobilizing and recruiting supporters abroad, fundraising from international donors, and identifying competent candidates for party activities.explorer.co.ug
Nyanzi’s internal party conflicts are not new. They trace back to disputes during the “Kunga” recruitment drive, where he clashed with former Leader of Opposition and NUP Deputy President for Buganda, Mathias Mpuuga, accusing him of sabotaging the initiative.
Mpuuga countered that the drive was poorly executed, citing issues like “fake commanders” as reasons for its failure.
Additionally, Nyanzi faced accusations of indiscipline and interference from former Kawempe North MP Latif Ssebaggala Sengendo, who claimed Nyanzi’s actions contradicted the party’s values.
Analysts have cautioned that if Nyanzi’s ongoing disputes are not resolved promptly, they could damage the NUP’s image and threaten its longevity.
Nyanzi’s comments reflect a defensive stance, prioritizing his external affairs duties over engaging in internal party bickering. However, the persistent controversies, including past allegations of extortion, fund mismanagement, and sexual harassment, continue to cast a shadow over his leadership.
For instance, in July 2025, NUP established a committee to investigate claims that Nyanzi extorted money from aspiring candidates, a recurrence of similar accusations from the 2021 election cycle. Additionally, his brief abduction in February 2025 by armed men, followed by his account of severe mistreatment in captivity, has further fueled tensions within the party, with some members suspecting him of leaking secrets to the ruling NRM.
The situation remains precarious, with Nyanzi’s role as Secretary for External Affairs drawing scrutiny, particularly from the U.S. NUP diaspora, who rejected his appointment citing his lack of international diplomacy experience and unaccounted funds from past mobilization efforts.
