By Our Reporter
Fresh cracks have emerged within the National Unity Platform (NUP) as internal divisions take a new twist, with the current Leader of Opposition (LOP) accusing five Members of Parliament — some from within the party and one from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) — of fraudulently using his name to secure an international trip.
The scandal erupted after a letter surfaced from The Legislative Centre (TLC) in Nairobi, Kenya, inviting the LOP and his delegation to a two-week workshop on Inclusive Leadership and Governance for Social Equity and Development, scheduled to take place from 18th to 31st May 2025 at Sai Rock Hotel in Mombasa.
The LOP, who expressed outrage on social media, revealed that he was never consulted or informed about the delegation. Yet, the letter was allegedly used by MPs Joyce Bagala, Juliet Kakande, Kakembo Mbwatekamwa, Lumu Richard, and Sarah Najjuma (NRM – Nakaseke Woman MP) to apply for facilitation from Parliament under the guise of being his official delegation.
“These five honourable colleagues obtained an invitation in my name from some organization in Kenya… They forwarded it to the Speaker for clearance and facilitation for the two-week trip. All this happened without my knowledge. One MP even added his name with a pen after the letter had already been received!” the LOP wrote.
The core of his grievance lies not only in the impersonation but also in the misrepresentation of a ruling party MP as part of the Opposition delegation — a serious breach of parliamentary protocol.
Rebel Mps, Fraud Claims, And Growing Discord
This explosive revelation comes just days after NUP’s top leadership issued a 30-day ultimatum to a group of MPs — including former LOP Mathias Mpuuga — to explain their loyalty to the party or risk expulsion. The party has labeled several of its MPs as “rebels,” accusing them of undermining party cohesion and siding with the government on key issues.
The new allegations by the current LOP add fuel to the fire, painting a picture of a party at war with itself, plagued by factionalism, indiscipline, and political opportunism.
Political Analysts: “A Party In Crisis Mode” Ahead Of 2026
Analysts say this latest scandal exposes the deepening mistrust and fragmentation within NUP, Uganda’s youngest and most prominent opposition party. Once hailed for its youthful energy and unified stand against the ruling regime, the party is now struggling to manage internal competition, loyalty issues, and the growing ambitions of its elected leaders.
“This is no longer about ideological differences; it’s about survival, control, and positioning ahead of 2026,” said a Kampala-based political analyst. “If not addressed, this infighting could significantly weaken the opposition’s credibility.”
Meanwhile, the implicated MPs have yet to publicly respond to the fraud allegations.
As 2026 looms, the party’s internal turmoil could cost it dearly if unity is not restored. With members openly clashing and accusing each other of betrayal and fraud, NUP faces an uphill task of proving to Ugandans that it is ready to lead.
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