By Aggrey Baba
Senior lawyer and Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Ssegona has dismissed claims that he is plotting to quit the National Unity Platform (NUP), saying he is not about to abandon the party he helped build for any other formation, let alone the NRM.
While addressing journalists shortly after picking nomination forms from the NUP headquarters in Kavule on Monday, a visibly confident Ssegona said he was grateful to God for keeping him firm in NUP and that all his energy is focused on kicking President Museveni out of Entebbe.
“I am fat meat; every political party wants me. Even the old man of Entebbe [Museveni] has sleepless nights wishing I would join him,” Ssegona said, adding that he has never dreamt of leaving the Kavule-based political outfit.
His remarks come at a time when sections within and outside the opposition had started casting doubts on his loyalty, especially following recent internal friction within NUP and his conspicuous absence from key party events.
Many had linked him to the newly formed political platform by his allies Mathias Mpuuga and Abed Bwanika, both of whom have publicly fallen out with the NUP leadership and recently unveiled a new political party (Democratic Forum)
But Ssegona, widely seen as one of the most seasoned figures in the opposition, sought to put those doubts to rest, saying he is firmly in NUP and has no intentions of walking away.
“I have never dreamt of leaving this party,” he said adding that those who dream about him leaving should know is not going anywhere.
He also used the opportunity to clarify his absence from the recent delegates’ conference that saw party president Robert Kyagulanyi and other leaders reelected.
Asked whether he deliberately snubbed the event, Ssegona said he had valid reasons for missing the gathering and had communicated to the party in advance.
“There is nothing to apologize for. If I had to apologize, it wouldn’t be in public,” he replied, suggesting that internal matters should remain within party walls.
The Busiro East legislator further clarified his earlier remarks where he expressed interest in succeeding Robert Kyagulanyi as party president after two terms, saying that while he still holds that position, it is only based on what the party constitution provides.
“The constitution provides for two terms, and I stand by that. But those terms have not started counting yet. The new constitution is not yet gazetted by the Electoral Commission,” he said, implying that Kyagulanyi’s current mandate is still in its early phase.
The senior lawyer’s statement comes as a surprise to many, especially those who had already counted him among those drifting away from NUP. His decision to pick nomination forms indicates a fresh bid to run on the party’s ticket, although it remains to be seen if the party leadership will grant him that opportunity given the lingering tensions.
Sseggona is one of the NUP MPs who have often been accused by party loyalists of defying internal regulations and not towing the official line, especially on issues concerning leadership and loyalty.
His close ties with Mpuuga and Bwanika had fueled speculation that he might follow them out of NUP. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
