By Newsroom Reporter
She is a seasoned politician and a strong critic of the ruling government. An avid politician, Betty Bakireke Nambooze, the Mukono municipality MP and former DP stalwart has of late postured as a poster girl for the National Unity Party, since she crossed over in 2021.
It has not swayed all in the party. A faction of the National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters in Mukono District has rejected the selection of Mukono Municipality MP, Betty Nambooze, as the party’s interim district chairperson.
The NUP’s top leadership had decided to have party leaders in various districts appoint interim leaders among themselves to guide party activities until the Electoral Commission approves the party’s constitution.
On Monday, August 12, NUP leaders in Mukono gathered at the party offices and chose Mrs. Nambooze, 55, as the interim district chairperson.
However, the meeting quickly descended into chaos as some members, particularly the youth, demanded that she step down to allow other qualified members who are not interested in running for office in the 2026 general election to take the position.
“We need leaders who will serve everyone’s interests, but Nambooze holding this office ahead of the general election will cause more confusion in the party, especially when we need unity,” he said.
They argued that Nambooze has long been associated with election-related violence in the area.
“We cannot risk going into elections with Nambooze as the party chairperson in Mukono. Her authoritarian tendencies will not benefit NUP,” they said
Mukono Municipality Deputy Mayor Rogers Bazannya noted that they have already petitioned the party headquarters to remove Mr. Nambooze from the office.
“She is a liability to the party because she doesn’t represent the interests of NUP members in Mukono. We, the youth, want to work with someone who is open-minded, and Nambooze does not meet that criterion,” he stated.
Nambooze dismissed the criticism, suggesting that those speaking against her were being influenced by her political opponents who aim to weaken the opposition party in the district.
“We are aware of the tricks our enemies are using to weaken our party, but we will not allow them. I know many MPs will face similar challenges as we approach 2026, but we will emerge victorious,” she asserted.
Mukono District NUP Registrar Richard Lugoloobi Kasirivvu stated that they would await further instructions from the party headquarters on how to address the concerns raised by members.
