“NUP Denied Me Party Ticket Because First Son In-law Karugire Is My Good Friend ” Former Mak Guild President Kateregga Speaks Out

Former Makerere University Guild President Julius Kateregga has found himself in political turbulence as he struggles to explain to voters why he failed to secure the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Kateregga, the incumbent Makerere University representative to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), is now running as an independent candidate, a move that has sparked intense debate among voters and political observers. Allegations have circulated widely that his failure to secure the NUP ticket stems from his alleged conduct during his tenure as a city councilor.

Among the accusations leveled against him is the claim that he was part of a group of councilors who abandoned their duties, left the country in search of “greener pastures” abroad, and only returned shortly before the nomination period for the 2026 elections. Critics argue that such actions amounted to a betrayal of public trust and made it difficult for the party to justify endorsing him.

Kateregga has also been accused of being among the councilors who passed a controversial resolution allowing city businessman Hamis Kiggundu to construct a drainage channel at Nakivubo.

The decision reportedly intensified his fallout with Kampala Lord Mayor Ssalongo Erias Lukwago, who has previously opposed developments in the Nakivubo area. The matter has since remained a sore point in city politics, with Kateregga’s critics citing it as further evidence of why he was sidelined by his party.

However, Kateregga strongly rejects these allegations and insists that his denial of the NUP ticket was driven by internal politics rather than performance.

Speaking to this website, he claimed that the NUP Electoral Management Committee (EMC), led by Harriet Chemutai, blocked his candidature based on what he described as unfounded suspicions about his personal associations.

According to Kateregga, he was accused of being a close friend of Edwin Karugire, a son-in-law to President Yoweri Museveni—an allegation that, in his view, raised red flags within the opposition party.

He admitted that he regularly communicates with Karugire but emphasized that the interactions are strictly professional. Kateregga explained that both of them sit on the Makerere University Council, making communication unavoidable and work-related.

“They are lying. Let me also explain that issue of Lukwago. He recalled me from representing KCCA at the university council and it is the reason why I petitioned court. I’m still on the university council because of a court order. Lukwago thought that I was going to support NUP candidate Ronald Balimwezo against him that’s why he started fighting me,” Kateregga defended himself.

As the political dust continues to swirl, Kateregga now faces an uphill task to reclaim his seat at City Hall. His challenge is compounded by the fact that more than five candidates have already declared interest in the same position, signaling a highly competitive race. With party backing out of reach, Kateregga’s independent bid will largely depend on his ability to convince voters that the controversies surrounding him are politically motivated rather than reflective of his record in public service.

As the campaign season gains momentum, all eyes will be on whether Kateregga can overcome the odds and stage a political comeback amid growing scrutiny and stiff competition.