By Andrew Irumba
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has been plunged into a legal battle as Nyendo-Mukungwe legislator, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, files a lawsuit against party president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. Mpuuga is seeking a court order to bar Bobi Wine from appearing on the ballot in the 2026 presidential elections, accusing him of violating party regulations and disregarding constitutional principles.
Speaking at a press briefing on January 6, 2025, at the NUP headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Bobi Wine confirmed the lawsuit, alleging that Mpuuga, through his personal assistant, had petitioned the court to disqualify him from contesting for the presidency for the next ten years.
“We were taken to court by our former deputy president for Buganda through his personal assistant and others. They are asking the court to ban me from running for office,” Bobi Wine stated.
Party in Turmoil
The legal battle stems from long-standing tensions within the party. Mpuuga, who was previously NUP’s deputy president for Buganda, was ousted from his position following allegations of corruption tied to a UGX 500 million parliamentary commission service award scandal. Bobi Wine has repeatedly criticized Mpuuga for what he described as a betrayal of the party’s values.
Bobi Wine suggested that external forces could be influencing Mpuuga’s actions, calling the lawsuit an attempt to destabilize NUP ahead of the crucial 2026 elections. Despite the legal challenges, he assured supporters that the party’s activities would continue.
“Our constitution has been illegally gazetted by the electoral commission, but we shall move forward regardless. We know the electoral commission will play its part, and we will remain steadfast,” he added.
Mpuuga’s Position
Mpuuga argues that his legal challenge is rooted in ensuring transparency and accountability within NUP. His petition seeks to prevent Bobi Wine from dominating the party’s internal processes and contesting for the presidency, alleging that his leadership style undermines democratic principles.
The Road Ahead
This legal battle has exposed deep divisions within NUP, with implications for the opposition’s strength going into the 2026 elections. While Bobi Wine remains resolute in his leadership, the outcome of this court case could significantly impact his political future and the unity of Uganda’s opposition movement.
