No Using Bobi Wine’s Photo In Your Posters!! Zaake’s Father Warns NUP Politicians In Mityana

The political climate in Mityana district, Uganda, has erupted into a fierce contest, with members and leaders of the National Unity Platform (NUP) mounting a robust challenge against the newly established “Kunga” structures.

A formal grievance, articulated in a detailed letter addressed to NUP Secretary General Davis Lewis Rubongoya, has thrust the district into the spotlight, highlighting allegations of manipulation and internal discord.

At the heart of this controversy stands Mr. Emmanuel Butebi Ssembusi, the father of Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. Zaake Francis, a figure whose actions have ignited a firestorm of dissent within the party ranks.

The core of the dispute centers on Mr. Ssembusi’s perceived dual allegiance, a matter that has deeply unsettled NUP members. While he remains a steadfast member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), holding a significant position as a district mobilizer, he is simultaneously accused of wielding considerable influence over the NUP’s Kunga leadership in Mityana.

This apparent conflict of interest has fueled accusations of compromised impartiality, raising serious questions about the integrity of the democratic processes within the NUP.The letter, laden with accusations, details a sequence of events that have triggered widespread discontent.

“On Tuesday February 24th 2025, Kunga delegates sat in Busimbi Gombolola area in anticipation that they vote for their new structured but on the contrary appointments took shape. Mr Emmanuel Butebi Ssembusi, the father to the incumbent Mityana MP has neither denounced his affiliation with the ruling NRM party nor resigned his duties as the NRM district mobilizer,” the letter explicitly states.

This assertion forms the bedrock of the complaint, underscoring the perception that Mr. Ssembusi’s continued association with the NRM undermines his credibility as a neutral actor in NUP affairs.Further amplifying the gravity of the allegations, the letter accuses Mr. Ssembusi of leveraging his financial resources to “hold captive the Kunga leaders using both coercion and intimidation.”

This accusation paints a disturbing picture of a political environment where financial might is allegedly used to manipulate and control the decision-making processes, thereby subverting the democratic principles that the NUP purports to uphold.

“Mr. Butebi doesn’t have NUP at heart and he has severally undermining the leadership of the party and christened Himself the ‘Principal Commander of greater Mubende’,” the letter adds, portraying him as a figure who seeks to assert dominance rather than foster collaborative leadership.

The letter also alleges that Mr. Ssembusi has attempted to suppress the use of NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine’s, image on campaign posters. This alleged directive, perceived as a direct affront to the party’s iconic leader, has further incensed NUP members who view Bobi Wine as the embodiment of their aspirations.

And further, the letter claims that he has “threatened to use Kunga Chairperson Mr Kasita Godfrey who also doubles as the Principal coordinator of Zaake foundation to deny his political rivals access to the party stamp.”

This accusation points to a potential abuse of power, where access to essential party resources is used as a tool for political control.In a resounding call for transparency and accountability, the NUP members and leaders in Mityana have implored the party secretariat to “dismiss the newly formed pro Butebi structures and give a chance for democracy to prevail.”

They have unequivocally challenged the legitimacy of the appointed Kunga Mityana district leaders, demanding that the process be rectified through a fair and transparent ballot. The demand to have “the ballot to take shape” shows a clear desire to have the people choose their leaders, instead of having them appointed.

This demand underscores their unwavering commitment to upholding the democratic ideals that they believe are being compromised.The unfolding situation in Mityana district serves as a stark illustration of the internal challenges that political parties often encounter, particularly during periods of rapid growth and consolidation.

The allegations leveled against Mr. Ssembusi raise fundamental questions about transparency, accountability, and the sanctity of the democratic processes within the NUP.

As the party secretariat deliberates on this contentious matter, the political landscape of Mityana remains charged, with the eyes of the nation keenly observing the unfolding drama.