The National Unity Platform (NUP) and its leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, are facing serious criticism over allegations of rigging internal elections, betraying democracy, and shielding corrupt party officials.
The scandal, which broke through public statements by the party’s U.S.-based diaspora chapter, has shaken NUP’s image both at home and abroad. The group, which has been crucial in providing funding, political advocacy, and international visibility, is now threatening to withdraw all support.
The controversy focuses on John Mary Ssebuwufu, a candidate for Lord Councillor of Nakawa Division VI in the 2025 elections. Despite being a contestant, Ssebuwufu also holds a position on NUP’s Election Management Committee (EMC) the same team tasked with vetting candidates, including himself.
This shocking conflict of interest has raised red flags inside and outside the party.
“How can John Mary Ssebuwufu vet himself and his competitors? Is this the democracy Bobi Wine claims to stand for?” — Justice Hunter (Sseguya Hillary Taylor Innocent), Leader of NUP U.S. Diaspora Chapter, via X, today Wednesday July 30, 2025.
Justice Hunter has called the situation morally wrong, corrupt, and unacceptable. He accused Bobi Wine of showing the same double standards he criticizes in Uganda’s ruling government.
“You can’t be a democrat while cheating your own election. You can’t fight dictatorship by practicing dictatorship inside your own party,” Bobi Wine must act now or lose the trust of the people,” Hunter said.
He warned that if Ssebuwufu is not removed immediately, the diaspora chapter will stop all NUP activities and support.
“This is a betrayal of NUP’s values. If this is allowed, we will not support any NUP activities moving forward,” Hunter said.
“If you let this continue,” Hunter warned, “your dream to lead Uganda will die not because of President Museveni, but because of your own actions.”
Inside sources claim this isn’t new. “Bobi Wine’s close allies often handpick candidates, and the so-called vetting process is just for show,” an anonymous source at NUP headquarters in Kamwokya said.
Another insider added: “Many members fear speaking out. Bobi Wine surrounds himself with loyalists who punish those who question him. Good leaders have been pushed out quietly.”
Although the controversy began in Nakawa Division VI, its effects are spreading internationally. The NUP diaspora, especially in the U.S., has played a vital role in keeping the party alive through donations, lobbying, and mobilization.
“This scandal has put that global support at serious risk,” said one insider.
Despite growing public backlash, Bobi Wine and top NUP officials have not made any official statement. Ssebuwufu still holds both roles as candidate and vetting officer raising concerns about the party’s leadership, fairness, and credibility.
NUP was built on promises of transparency, democracy, and accountability, but this crisis now threatens to collapse that reputation.
The self-vetting scandal has become more than just a political embarrassment it’s a test of Bobi Wine’s leadership and the true values of NUP. Unless immediate action is taken, NUP risks losing its core supporters, its international credibility, and possibly its future in Ugandan politics.
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