Mpuga accuses Ssenyoni of 'ill will' in the NUP
Odonga Mathew
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, the National Coordinator of the Democratic Alliance (DA)
Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, the National Coordinator of the Democratic Alliance (DA), shared his thoughts on Uganda's current political situation and his experiences within the opposition. In an interview with NBS TV, he talked about his strained relationship with the National Unity Platform (NUP), issues within the opposition, and his work with the DA.
Mpuuga explained that he had made efforts to reach out to NUP, which is the main opposition party, but they did not respond to his request for a meeting.
"I wrote to the leading opposition party (NUP) asking for a meeting. I haven't received a reply," he said.
He also mentioned that NUP’s Secretary General personally criticized him, which he thought was unnecessary.
"I think he doesn't know the full degree of what he is dealing with," Mpuuga added.
According to Mpuuga, some individuals within the opposition tried to discredit him. He claimed that NUP members of parliament were contacted one by one and told to spread negative stories about him.
"You would not know, for example, how NUP would call MPs, one by one, to educate them on how Mpuuga is a bad man," he said.
Mpuuga also spoke about a specific case where Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, NUP’s spokesperson, allegedly attempted to get a sick Ssegirinya to sign a letter against him.
"Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi took a letter to a sick Ssegirinya to sign against me. That is ill will," Mpuuga said.
He further pointed out that some factions within the opposition believe that limiting Dr. Kizza Besigye’s influence would benefit their political ambitions.
"There are groups in the opposition who think that Dr. Kizza Besigye was against them. They believe that a curtailed Besigye is good for them and their political chances," Mpuuga said.
Mpuuga also addressed criticism from NUP President Bobi Wine. He felt that Bobi Wine focused on attacking him personally rather than tackling bigger issues like the Electoral Commission or Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
"Hon. Bobi Wine made me a subject of a concert. He held press conferences about me. I have never seen him do that for the Electoral Commission or Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba," Mpuuga said.
Speaking about internal struggles in the opposition, Mpuuga shared how some of his colleagues privately admitted that he had done nothing wrong but supported a certain leader for their political survival.
"Some friends of mine came to tell me that they knew I didn't do any wrong, but 'the man' told them that it's their only chance at a ticket," he said.
Mpuuga emphasized the importance of unity when working toward political change. He believes that despite personal differences, politicians should engage with everyone who has influence for the benefit of the people.
Mpuuga also clarified that the DA is not a political party but a civic alliance.
He expressed confidence that more people would join over time since the DA is open and welcoming to different voices.
"The DA is a big tent, not a small umbrella!" he said.
