By Nathan Kikku Mubiru
Matthias Mpuuga once said that he would only ever consider leaving Nyendo if the opportunity awaiting him was an extraordinary one.
And, to be fair, your life would become a fair bit extraordinary if you became the new president of Uganda. Not necessarily for the better, either.
Social media revealed on Saturday that Mpuuga is a strong contender for the Nakaseero hot-seat 2026.
Having worked in a strong and dependable structure at parliament that the presidency is trying to replicate at an elite level, it would make sense for both Mpuuga and Ugandans to be interested in such a move, but it’s a platonic admiration that should probably keep its distance.
There is a charm about Mpuuga that has been allowed to flourish at Parliament – a community club tucked within the country’s city. The charisma, the dad-swagger, the open-and-honest nature, the kind-and-friendly demeanour, the loveable-and-effable leader.
That is not what the Presidency is about. It can’t be what it’s about.
The presidency and Parliament are worlds apart. Mpuuga has not just been along for the ride with the parliamentary opposition but has led it and, knowingly or unknowingly, built it around himself.
What sets Mpuuga apart from other opposition parliamentarians is his personality and how that transmits to his teams. What’s easier to implement when you’re out of the spotlight and the majority of the press about you is positive, even if that’s been earned and deserved. The furnace and fires of the leaky state house would not be so kind, particularly if the results are not immediate.
Mpuuga’s career path is unique. He did not practice law professionally. Barely even semi-professionally. He was a teacher, worked in a technical institute, started in Mengo youth leadership and made his way up that ladder. When he made it to the streets to command walk-to-work protests, he was hounded out after receiving criticism from the government.
Every inch has been fought for by Mpuuga. Every ounce of potential has been maximised to the fullest. Being elected president of Uganda, would momentarily make his career a fairytale story, but so much uncertainty remains over the state house operations.
Mpuuga’s plans could take a while to get going. They may never get off the ground at all, such is the unknown in politics. If Mpuuga wants a move to a top position, then other more stable solutions should present themselves.
Perhaps most importantly, Mpuuga has downplayed the prospect of joining another political party, despite NUP’s internal crises.
“I am really happy where I am,” he told the Uganda media.
“It is close to being the perfect party to be in. I can see myself being here for many more years. NUP is a party where I feel at home.
“Immediately I think it [the links] is flattering and recognition about what I do. And I am glad that others are noticing the work we are doing in parliament. Having said that, what goes on in parliament is not a one-man show.”
Parliament is home, says Mpuuga. The presidency would not be. Maybe after the long journey he’s embarked on to reach the LoP, that’s all that matters to him.