NUP in Chaos: Rubongoya and Ssenyonyi’s Battle Puts Party’s Future at Risk

ExplorerJan 26, 2026Read original

There is growing tension in National Unity Platform (NUP) party as top leaders disagree and fight among themselves.

The latest problem started after NUP’s Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, lost the Kampala Central Member of Parliament (MP) race. Rubongoya claims that the Leader of Opposition (LoP), Joel Ssenyonyi, hurt his chances of winning by supporting Abraham Luzzi, an independent candidate who was also running for the same seat.

Now, the party is divided into two groups: one led by Ssenyonyi and the other by Rubongoya. This fight has come at a time when NUP’s president, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), is hiding after losing to President Yoweri Museveni in the January 2026 elections. With their leader out of the picture, many NUP supporters are worried about the future of the party.

According to a source within NUP, the situation has only gotten worse since Bobi Wine disappeared. The divide became even clearer during the mayoral race in 2026. In a surprising move, Rubongoya encouraged voters to support Beatrice Mao of the Democratic Party (DP) instead of the NUP candidate, Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga.

“Rubongoya was seen at a polling station on January 26, 2026, pointing to Mao’s name on the ballot paper and telling people to vote for her,” the source said.

The source further explained that this has left many NUP supporters confused and concerned, where Rubongoya’s actions seem to show that he is moving away from NUP’s official position and aligning with DP. Along with Rubongoya, NUP National Treasurer Benjamin Katana has also supported Beatrice Mao, further splitting the party.

The source noted that the growing division is frustrating many NUP supporters, who are now questioning what the party will do next.

Additionally, With Bobi Wine in hiding and no clear leader in sight, NUP is struggling to stay united. The uncertainty is making some people wonder if the party can survive these internal conflicts.

As the political situation in Uganda continues to change, it remains to be seen whether NUP can fix its problems and come back together, or if the party will break apart completely.