In a dramatic turn of events, Busiro East MP Medard Sseggona has ended his political marriage with the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), announcing he will seek re-election as an independent candidate in next year’s general elections.
This comes days after NUP handed its flag to singer and Kyengera Town Council mayor Mathias Walukaga.
Speaking on Wednesday at his residence in Buddo, a Kampala suburb the 51-year-old lawyer said the decision to quit followed wide consultations with his supporters, who urged him to defy what they described as an “unfair” party process.
“The party has its job and the people have theirs. I expect the people to do their job. It is the people who should decide for the party, not the party deciding for them,” Sseggona said, adding that he was returning to the people so they could elect him directly.
Supporters at the meeting accused the NUP leadership of sidelining Sseggona despite his long record of service. Some argued that he has been a role model and a dependable defender of opposition activists, often representing them in court free of charge.
“Bobi is our president, but for the MP, it is Sseggona,” one supporter declared.
Others accused the party of favouritism, saying cards for various elective positions were handed to favourites while loyal cadres were ignored.
“The NUP we know is one where we have a say,” one supporter complained, warning that such methods risked alienating grassroots members.
Sseggona defended his record, recounting his role in mobilising Busiro East against the ruling NRM and supporting Robert Kyagulanyi’s rise to national prominence.
He rejected accusations that he is rarely seen in Parliament, promising to improve his visibility if re-elected.
He also cautioned voters against reducing politics to comedy, in an apparent swipe at Walukaga, a celebrated kadongo kamu singer.
“Do not send to Parliament people who cannot debate or understand issues. Leadership is not a joke,” he warned.
Sseggona further argued that the manner in which NUP denied him the party ticket was designed to “humiliate the Baganda people and weaken them in Parliament,” a situation he said only benefits the government.
While pledging never to work with forces that entrench President Museveni’s rule, Sseggona also distanced himself from any group that might sabotage Kyagulanyi’s presidential ambitions.
He announced plans to hold constituency conventions at parish and sub-county levels, after which he will unveil his manifesto and campaign symbol.
Using a metaphor, Sseggona likened NUP to an umbrella with holes: “When it rains, water leaks through.”
He declared that his next political chapter begins now, with his focus on defending his parliamentary seat and “helping the people understand the truth.”