If NUP Has Made Mistakes, We Must Sit With Them and Point Them Out—They Should Do the Same

Speaking on NBS Morning Breeze, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda called for cooperation, maturity, and long-term planning among Uganda’s opposition groups.

He noted that although the People’s Front for Freedom is a new political party, the individuals involved remained the same.

“Katonga is not new to Uganda’s politics,” he said. “The actors are familiar faces. What’s changed is just the party label.”

Ssemujju said that before the arrest and military detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye, the opposition leader had been meeting with other political actors to build unity among those seeking change.

He accepted that competition is part of politics. “Human beings are competitive by nature,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with NUP and PFF competing. That’s what multiparty politics is all about. What matters is that we compete respectfully and with civility.”

Ssemujju said many of the current talks among opposition leaders are too focused on winning elections rather than solving deeper national issues.

“Too many discussions are focused on short-term gains, how to win the next election. That’s not enough. We are in the middle of a deep crisis, and the conversation must be broader than just who wins which seat.”

He said that during his work with the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), the discussions were aimed at long-term change beyond the 2026 elections. He encouraged the opposition to plan beyond elections.

Ssemujju also criticised how opposition campaigns are spread.

“In Kampala, we have ten opposition candidates fighting for one seat. Meanwhile, there’s no one contesting in Karamoja. That should be our starting point. We must work together to cover ground where the opposition is absent.”

He repeated his call for open cooperation.

“In my last press briefing, I welcomed all genuine opposition parties to join us. We’re also ready to be invited. It should be a two-way street.”

He said opposition groups should be willing to correct each other.

“If NUP is making mistakes, let’s sit down with them and point those out. And if they believe we are making errors, they should feel free to do the same. That’s the only way to grow stronger together.”

He also warned about how the state treats opposition members.

“We are collectively treated as enemies of the state and of President Museveni. That’s dangerous, and it’s something we must confront as a united front.”

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