Kyagulanyi, Rubongoya Re-elected For A Five Year Term
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, has officially begun a fresh five-year term as president of the National Unity Platform (NUP) following an unopposed re-election during the party’s delegates’ conference held at the NUP Leadership School in Kamwokya.
This conference, which marks the first under Kyagulanyi’s renewed leadership, also saw the reconstitution of the party’s National Executive Committee. Speaking after being sworn in, Kyagulanyi expressed gratitude to party members and supporters, acknowledging the difficult circumstances under which the event was organized.
“Until the very last moment, we were unsure whether this conference would proceed, given the climate of intimidation we operate in,” Kyagulanyi said. “Nevertheless, we made it happen, and I commend everyone who participated, whether by competing or stepping aside. There are no losers in NUP every contribution matters.”
Kyagulanyi called on those elected to take up their roles with responsibility and purpose, particularly as the country approaches the next general elections. “We have a significant task ahead. The struggle for better leadership in Uganda continues, and I believe with resilience and faith we will prevail,” he said.
In a post-conference briefing, Joel Ssenyonyi, who retained his position as NUP spokesperson, criticized the persistent harassment of the party by state security forces, noting that such actions undermine democratic participation.
“We are a legally registered political entity, yet we continue to face heavy-handed treatment. We’re demanding accountability from security agencies,” Ssenyonyi said, adding that a formal protest letter would be delivered to the relevant authorities.
The selection process and the number of delegates attending the event have stirred some concern, as limited information was provided. Ssenyonyi acknowledged the constitutional provision for 127 delegates but did not elaborate on how they were chosen.
Among the confirmed leaders elected during the conference were David Lewis Rubongoya, who remains Secretary General, and Kyagulanyi, both of whom were unopposed. Other key appointments included Frank Kabuye, MP for Kassanda South, who takes over as Secretary for Youth, replacing Francis Zaake, and Akiso Benjamin, who steps into the role of Head of Institutions, succeeding David Musiri.
With internal elections now behind them, NUP’s leadership says their focus will shift to national mobilization and preparations for the coming political season.
