I Did My Part in NUP- Mpuuga

In a candid and pointed interview on NBS TV Morning Breeze on Monday Morning, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, former Leader of the Opposition in Uganda’s Parliament, reflected on his journey with the National Unity Platform (NUP) and his recent decision to form the Democratic Alliance Movement.

"I have done my part in NUP," Mpuuga declared. "My legacy in NUP is there for all to see. I invested my energy, my resources, and my capabilities to improve the outlook of a ragtag organisation, to give it a face and a name, and to help them erect a clear platform for understanding how the state is organised. If they are humble, they will say, 'Yes, he helped us.'"

Mpuuga criticised what he described as inertia within NUP, stating that its current trajectory does little to advance the broader cause of the opposition in Uganda.

"The divisive nature of their politics, for me, does not help the cause of the opposition," he said, adding that the opposition must unite to present a formidable front in the next political cycle.

Responding to comments made by former opposition leader Ogenga Latigo, who accused him of promoting a Buganda-centric agenda and acting out of spite, Mpuuga expressed disappointment.

"I felt sorry for the old man," he said. "He sounded bitter, and I question the cause of his bitterness. Perhaps we need to have a conversation to understand each other better."

Mpuuga emphasised the urgent need for opposition factions to come together under one umbrella. "The opposition must, as a necessity, sit under a big tree or big tent and speak to each other. Right now, the opposition is divided. Everyone is cocooned in their small enclave, unable to think beyond positions and survival," he noted.

Looking ahead, Mpuuga pledged to engage with various opposition leaders, including NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), to chart a way forward for Uganda's opposition.

"This is not about who leads; it’s about building a sustainable movement that can challenge the status quo and deliver meaningful change," he said.

The formation of the Democratic Alliance Movement, Mpuuga explained, is part of his vision to foster inclusivity and cooperation within Uganda’s political landscape.

"This is not about creating another enclave," he clarified. "It’s about creating a platform where all voices in the opposition can be heard and can work collaboratively toward a common goal."

As Uganda approaches another election cycle, Mpuuga’s reflections and his call for unity serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the opposition.

Whether his new movement will succeed in bridging the divides remains to be seen, but his message is clear: Uganda’s opposition must look beyond divisions and work together if they are to challenge the status quo effectively.