Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliament, Asuman Basalirwa, has raised alarm bells about the potential downfall of the National Unity Platform (NUP), expressing concerns that its leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, might be instrumental in the party's demise.
Basalirwa's apprehensions arise from recent statements made by Kyagulanyi, who accused some NUP Members of Parliament of collaborating with President Museveni. During an interview with the BBC, Kyagulanyi asserted that MPs who supported the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 were working for the regime, a claim that has sparked internal strife within NUP.
In response to Kyagulanyi's allegations, Basalirwa urged the NUP leader to take decisive action against the MPs accused of collusion with the government. He insisted that failure to disown such members would inevitably lead to the party's downfall.
"He has to come out and disown his MPs he claims work for the regime; otherwise, he will lead to the downfall of his party," Basalirwa asserted.
As the president of Justice Forum (JEEMA), Basalirwa emphasized that if Kyagulanyi's claims were substantiated, appropriate measures, including expulsion from the party, should be taken against the implicated MPs. Basalirwa also questioned why NUP MPs did not consult their party president before supporting the controversial Act, highlighting confusion within the party regarding their stance on homosexuality.
"The party president alleges that the Act was introduced to suppress the opposition, yet NUP members were among those who supported it. Does this mean that there was a disagreement between the party president and his MPs on this matter?" Basalirwa queried.
He called upon Kyagulanyi to clarify NUP's position on the issue and urged the leader to address the internal rift promptly.
Responding to claims that Kyagulanyi's remarks were directed at him due to his close relationship with the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, Basalirwa dismissed the notion, asserting that maintaining relationships with other parliamentarians was not a wrongdoing.
Last week, JEEMA requested an apology from Kyagulanyi for his comments on the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023. Ssentongo Kyamundu, the spokesperson for JEEMA, expressed disappointment with Kyagulanyi's evasive stance on the legislation and hinted at potential measures if NUP failed to engage with JEEMA through official party channels.
The unfolding internal tensions within NUP raise questions about the party's cohesion and its ability to navigate challenges within its ranks. Observers are keenly watching for developments that could shape the future of one of Uganda's prominent political forces.
