Kampala, (UG): The founder of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), Moses Kibalama Nkonge, has declared his public support for Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba should the first son stand for the presidency in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Kibalama who became popular for trying to reclaim NUP from the current party president Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine says he has decided to ally his confidence in Gen Muhoozi’s leadership abilities and military prowess, asserting that he is the right leader needed for Uganda’s future.
“I believe in Gen Muhoozi’s capabilities to lead Uganda. His political journey across the country has impressed me, and his military background only adds to his leadership qualities,” Kibalama said on Friday.
He said this in a press conference held at his residence in Buwambo, Wakiso district, in central Uganda.
Kibalama, whose endorsement for Muhoozi comes as a shock to many, considering his historical ties to the NUP, a party he founded.
Full of drama and turnarounds, Kibalama recently denounced the decisions made by the NUP leadership, including the implementation of a two-term limit on all elective positions starting in 2026.
He, along with colleagues who founded the party, now intends to regain control of the party and steer it in what they deem the right direction.
Speaking of state of the opposition political landscape, Kibalama warned against the pitfalls of greed and selfishness within political parties. He cautioned that these tendencies could lead to their downfall, leaving them with mere names during the 2026 elections.
When reached out for a comment on the development, the spokesperson of NUP, Hon Joel Ssenyonyi (Nakawa West MP) rubbished the reports and instead advised Kibalama to focus on raising funds to settle the costs ordered by the court.
Ssenyonyi further urged NUP supporters to distance themselves from what he labelled as “mediocrity.”
Kibalama’s sudden shift in allegiance is rooted in his dissatisfaction with the NUP’s current leadership and their operational decisions.
He revealed that their actions have kept him awake at night, motivating him to reclaim his party and rectify what he views as mistakes.
With Kibalama and his colleagues gearing up to tour the nation to rejuvenate NUP, his declaration carries significant weight, raising questions about the future direction of the party and the broader political landscape of Uganda.
As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, Kibalama’s endorsement of Gen Muhoozi has injected a fresh element of unpredictability into the race, leaving citizens and political analysts speculating on the potential implications of this unexpected alliance.
In a final note, Kibalama, who has been grappling with age-related health issues, emphasized his commitment to saving the NUP from what he perceives as a dangerous trajectory.
“If we don’t mend our ways, 2026 might catch many opposition parties with mere names,” Kibalama cautioned, reflecting his deep concern for the future of Uganda’s political landscape.
Credit: NP
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