At a social function in Busiro East over the weekend, Medard Lubega Sseggona, the constituency’s outspoken MP, sent ripples through Uganda’s political landscape.
Addressing a cheering crowd, he declared: “The next president of NUP will come from Busiro East. And it will be me.”
The statement positioned Sseggona as the heir apparent to Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Yet, this public assertion of ambition may stir tensions within the party, particularly with Kyagulanyi, whose disdain for elite politicking is no secret.
Sseggona’s announcement comes at a time when NUP’s leadership succession remains undefined, a sensitive issue for a party still consolidating its influence against President Museveni’s decades-long rule.
According to reports, Sseggona framed his bid as following Kyagulanyi’s “two terms” as party president, though no formal agreement on term limits exists within NUP’s framework. This assumption has sparked speculation about underlying power struggles.
The NUP has already weathered internal storms, most notably the fallout between Kyagulanyi and Mathias Mpuuga, a former Leader of the Opposition.
Many viewed their rift as a clash of influence, with Mpuuga’s perceived elitism at odds with Kyagulanyi’s grassroots ethos. Sseggona, a seasoned lawyer and politician, risks being cast in a similar light.
Kyagulanyi, a former pop star who rose from Kampala’s ghettos, has built his political brand on rejecting the trappings of traditional elites.
Political analysts suggest Sseggona’s comments may provoke Kyagulanyi’s inner circle, who guard his leadership zealously.
“Kyagulanyi has never hidden his skepticism of career politicians,” said one of the analysts.
“Sseggona’s public claim, without prior party consensus, might be seen as undermining Kyagulanyi’s authority.”
The timing is particularly delicate, as NUP faces relentless state pressure. Yesterday, their headquarters were raided by security operatives who arrested some youth. Eddie Mutwe, Kyagulanyi’s longtime body guard remains in detention for what many regard as trumped up charges.
Against this backdrop, Sseggona’s focus on succession could be perceived as divisive.
Sseggona, who has represented Busiro East since 2011, has a strong track record and commands respect within parliamentary circles.
His role in NUP’s legal battles against state repression (remember the Kibalama case) has cemented his loyalty to the cause. Yet, loyalty alone may not shield him from backlash.
So far Kyagulanyi has remained silent on Sseggona’s remarks. However, his history of addressing internal dissent suggests a response may be forthcoming. The Mpuuga saga showed Kyagulanyi’s willingness to sideline those seen as challenging his vision.
In a party born from defiance, Sseggona ought to know that the line between ambition and betrayal is razor thin.
