The faction of the National Unity Platform led by Moses Nkonge Kibalama has raised concerns regarding the ongoing NUP membership registration exercise, calling for its immediate cessation. This faction asserts that the registration process is illegal, citing that it is being conducted under a fake constitution.
According to Kibalama and his group, the matter is currently before the court, and they are requesting expedited proceedings. They claim that the Electoral Commission (EC) refused to gazette amendments to the NUP constitution as presented by Lewis Rubongoya, alleging irregularities. However, the EC has denied these claims.
EC spokesman Mr. Julius Mucunguzi clarified that a meeting between the two factions and Electoral Commission chairman Simon Byabakama did not resolve the matter due to its legal status.
Mucunguzi stated, "When the meeting was in its preliminary stages, it came to the attention of the EC that there is a court case regarding what was going to be discussed. So, it was agreed, and the chairman concurred that it would not be proper to discuss the matter before court."
The NUP Kibalama faction argues that all proceedings at the NUP in Kavule, including the ongoing party membership registration, are illegal due to the pending court case. They criticize the continuation of these activities, emphasizing that it is immoral for Mr. Kyagulanyi to declare himself "001" under the registration.
Moses Kibalama urged the court to expedite the process to determine the rightful leadership of the party, alleging that their party constitution was replaced with a fake one by the EC. In response, NUP Secretary-General Lewis Rubongoya stated that they are proceeding with their activities and are unconcerned by Kibalama and his group.
The situation within the NUP remains tense as the two factions continue to clash over the legality of the membership registration exercise and the party's constitution, awaiting the court's ruling to resolve the dispute.
The genesis of the power struggles in NUP between the Kibalama faction and Bobi Wine can be traced back to the acquisition of the party by Bobi Wine. Initially, the party was founded by Moses Nkonge Kibalama, who later claimed that the party was sold to Bobi Wine without the consent of the party members.
This led to a legal battle between Kibalama and Bobi Wine, with Kibalama arguing that the sale was illegal and that he was forced to sell the party under duress. The power struggle intensified as Kibalama sought to regain control of the party, while Bobi Wine and his supporters maintained that the acquisition was legitimate and aimed at advancing the party's political agenda.
The conflict has since led to a split within the party, with both factions claiming to be the legitimate leaders of NUP.
