By Aggrey Baba
NUP says its political activities will continue despite the absence of party president Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) from the public eye following the January 15 elections.
Hon John Baptist Nambeshe, the NUP deputy president for eastern Uganda has said that Kyagulanyi’s current situation should not be interpreted as hiding but as a move to avoid arrest and ensure his personal safety.
In a question and answer (Q&A) with journalist Umaru Kashaka, Nambeshe explained that Kyagulanyi left his Magere mansion after security pressure intensified around him. He said the decision was aimed at protecting himself from what the opposition believes could have resulted in arrest or detention.
Nambeshe said Kyagulanyi’s temporary absence should not be interpreted as a sign that Kavule’s political struggle has weakened or stopped.
According to the Deputypresident, the NUP leadership remains in contact with Kyagulanyi and continues to receive guidance from him despite his physical absence, adding that the former presidential candidate has also been communicating through social media platforms, where he has been updating supporters about his safety and encouraging them to remain hopeful.
Nambeshe said these messages are intended to reassure supporters that Kyagulanyi is safe and that the party leadership remains coordinated.
He explained that NUP views Kyagulanyi’s leadership as part of a broader political movement rather than something dependent on one individual and for that reason, Kavule believes its activities can continue even when the leader is not physically present.
On March 5th, Nambeshe, chaired a meeting of the NUP executive board where leaders discussed the party’s next steps and how to maintain coordination across the country, and during the meeting, the party leadership reportedly delivered a message to members and supporters emphasizing that the struggle for political change remains ongoing.
Nambeshe said the party will now hold a series of meetings with regional leaders across Uganda, intended to communicate the same message delivered and also ensure that grassroot leaders remain aligned with the party’s direction.
Nambeshe also addressed questions about leadership within the party in Kyagulanyi’s absence, clarifying that he has not declared himself acting president of the party, but his role allows him to perform certain leadership duties when the party president is unavailable, an arrangement, provided for within the party’s leadership structure.
At the same time, Nambeshe emphasized that NUP’s political objectives extend beyond participating in elections, adding that the party’s struggle is centered on toppling president Museveni and the NRM, and not solely on electoral results.
However, he said that Kavule intends to pursue its goals through peaceful and lawful means.
Nambeshe also responded to criticism suggesting that Kyagulanyi is fighting politically through social media while NUP legislators continue participating in Parliament, saying the party president has not instructed NUP MPs to boycott parliamentary activities, and for that reason the MPs do, and will continue to carry out their responsibilities while awaiting guidance from the party leadership on major political decisions.
Nambeshe said decisions such as whether to boycott parliamentary processes or participate fully will be taken collectively by the party leadership, stressing that such decisions can’t be made based on opinions circulating on the internet. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
