Tensions are rising inside the National Unity Platform (NUP) as internal disputes take a dramatic turn, following serious accusations against Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) Speaker Zaharah Maala Luyirika.
Sources within the party allege that Zaharah misused public funds, coordinated online smear campaigns, and actively worked to undermine Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende, even as she battles a serious illness.
The developments have sparked deep concern among NUP supporters and members, raising serious questions about integrity and loyalty within Uganda’s leading opposition party.
Sources allege that Zaharah diverted funds allocated for city development under KCCA, allegedly channeling the money into supporting her personal political ambitions.
This includes financing campaign logistics, private mobilization efforts, and building personal influence within the party.
“These are funds meant for improving service delivery in Kampala,” we joined NUP to fight impunity, not to repeat the same patterns. This behavior undermines everything we claim to stand for,” a NUP insider said.
More disturbing is the alleged coordinated smear campaign against Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende, who has been receiving medical treatment abroad.
The insider claims Zaharah has employed bloggers and social media influencers to tarnish Malende’s image, spreading falsehoods and attacking her credibility, despite her fragile health condition.
“It’s painful to watch,” the insider continued. “Instead of standing with Shamim during a difficult time, some within our ranks have chosen to exploit her absence. That’s not the NUP I believed in.”
Party members are also concerned about the growing internal power struggles, where loyalty appears to be shifting from core values to personal gain and manipulation.
“There is a clique growing around Zaharah that is more interested in personal positioning than serving Ugandans,”they’re trying to paint Malende as weak and replace her, while she’s literally fighting for her life,” another party source who requested anonymity said.
So far, NUP leadership has not issued an official statement, leading to frustration among party supporters and the public.
Online campaigns are already calling for transparency, accountability, and Zaharah’s suspension pending investigation.
Many worry that if these allegations are not taken seriously, NUP risks losing moral authority as a party committed to change.
As the story continues to unfold, questions remain, including, will Zaharah be investigated by the party’s leadership?
Will KCCA funds be audited and properly accounted for?
And will the party stand with MP Malende or allow political bullying to persist?
“This is a defining moment for NUP,” if we don’t confront wrongdoing inside our own house, how can we claim to fight it in government,” the insider added.
This isn’t just about Zaharah and Malende it’s about whether NUP can stay true to its founding principles of justice, integrity, and people-first leadership.
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