When did Muwanga Kivumbi replace Mpuuga?
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has appointed Butambala County MP, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, as the new Deputy President for the Buganda region. The announcement, made at the party’s headquarters in Makerere, Kavule, on January 16, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the party’s efforts to fortify its influence in Buganda, a region critical to Uganda’s political landscape.
Kivumbi replaces Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga, who was suspended by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, last year. Mpuuga’s removal followed controversy over his acceptance of a UGX 500 million service award during his tenure as Leader of Opposition in Parliament, a move that sparked discontent among party loyalists.
What did Muwanga Kivumbi promise in his speech?
During his inaugural address as Deputy President for Buganda, Muwanga Kivumbi exuded confidence and commitment to NUP’s agenda of challenging the status quo. “As Deputy President of Buganda, I will reach where Kyagulanyi cannot reach and be where he cannot be. My role is to mentor young people and ensure the plan to remove the dictator remains alive,” he declared to an energized audience of party supporters and leaders.
Who Is Muwanga Kivumbi?
Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, a prominent economist and politician, has long been a pillar of opposition politics in Uganda. Born on October 19, 1973, in Butambala District, Kivumbi is widely respected for his intellect, charisma, and unwavering dedication to justice and good governance.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Makerere University and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the Uganda Management Institute. Kivumbi’s political career has been punctuated by his ability to connect with grassroots communities while maintaining a firm stance on national issues. As the former Chairperson of the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus, he played a crucial role in advocating for Buganda’s socio-economic development and cultural preservation.
Beyond his legislative duties, Kivumbi is celebrated for his eloquence and sharp critique of government policies, earning him a reputation as one of the most outspoken voices in Parliament. His appointment is seen as a calculated move by NUP to consolidate its base in Buganda and inspire confidence among the youth and grassroots organizers.
Other Key Appointments
In addition to the elevation of Muwanga Kivumbi, the NUP leadership unveiled several other significant appointments:
- Jacqueline Tukamushaba was named Deputy President for Western Uganda, filling the void left by the late Jolly Mugisha.
- Harriet Ageno assumed the role of Secretary for Policy, succeeding Simon Tolit, who passed away in 2023.
- Benjamin Katana was appointed NUP’s representative on the National Consultative Forum, solidifying the party’s presence in critical policy spaces.
According to NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, all the appointees will serve in an acting capacity until June 2025, when the party intends to hold a delegates conference to formalize the appointments.
A Fresh Start for NUP with Muwanga Kivumbi
Kivumbi’s appointment signals a fresh start for NUP, a party that has become a formidable force in Uganda’s political arena. With his deep understanding of Buganda’s dynamics and his proven leadership abilities, Kivumbi is expected to steer the region’s political agenda and rally support for the party’s broader objectives.
As Uganda’s political tides continue to shift, NUP’s latest moves indicate a readiness to adapt and strengthen its position. With Kivumbi at the helm in Buganda, the party is poised to deepen its grassroots connections and invigorate its campaign to champion democracy and social justice in the country.
Kivumbi’s promise to be “where Kyagulanyi cannot be” reflects not just the trust placed in him by the party but also his determination to expand NUP’s reach and solidify its presence across Buganda. The political landscape in Uganda is evolving, and the world is watching to see how Kivumbi and his team will navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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