The National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, the Member of Parliament for Butambala County, as the acting Vice-President for Buganda Region. Kivumbi steps into the role following the dismissal of his predecessor, Mathias Mpuuga, who parted ways with the party amidst controversy last year.
Mpuuga, a former Leader of the Opposition, was removed from the party following disagreements over a reported Shs500 million service award. Since his departure, he has established a political pressure group called the Democratic Alliance.
Kivumbi, who currently heads the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, was selected by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. The appointment received approval from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and was announced during a media briefing in Kampala. Kivumbi will serve in an interim capacity until June, when the party’s delegates’ conference is expected to confirm permanent leadership appointments.
During the announcement, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya emphasized the significance of the role, urging Kivumbi to embrace the responsibilities ahead.
The reshuffle also included appointments to other regional and strategic positions. Jacqueline Tukamushaba was named Vice-President for the Western Region, succeeding the late Joly Mugisha. Harriet Ageno will now serve as Secretary for Policy, replacing the late Toret Akecha, while Benjamin Katana has been appointed as NUP’s representative to the National Consultative Forum.
All appointees will hold their positions on an acting basis until the upcoming conference, part of the party’s broader strategy to strengthen leadership ahead of Uganda’s political season.