By Namuli N Racheal
In a growing rift within the National Unity Platform (NUP), leaders in Entebbe have distanced themselves from the actions of their local Member of Parliament, Micheal Kakembo Mbwatekamwa. The fallout follows Kakembo’s support for a private member’s bill that proposes electing the Leader of Opposition, a motion that has ignited controversy among party members.
The bill, introduced by Mityana South County MP Richard Lumu, received significant attention when Kakembo seconded it during a recent Gulu Parliament sitting. This support has since sparked a wave of criticism from NUP supporters nationwide, particularly in Entebbe.
On Friday, NUP leaders in Entebbe, including Deputy Mayor Kabwama Charles and Suuna Charles Lwanga, the NUP chairman for the area, have publicly condemned Kakembo’s actions. They accuse him of failing to adhere to the party’s stance and disregarding the party’s collective decisions.
Suuna Charles Lwanga expressed deep discontent with Kakembo’s stance. “How could our MP refer to our leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, as ‘half-baked’ in terms of politics in a recent interview?” Suuna questioned. “This is not just a misstep; it’s a betrayal of our party’s values and the interests of our supporters.”
Deputy Mayor Kabwama Charles added that Kakembo should have engaged with NUP members in Entebbe before making such a significant presentation. “His failure to consult with us has led to unnecessary embarrassment and division,” Kabwama remarked.
Further complicating the situation, Joyce Nabatta, the Woman Representative for Kunga District, has criticized Kakembo for diverging from the views of his constituents. “Michael Kakembo has now positioned himself as an adversary of our party by promoting his personal views rather than representing the interests of the people who elected him,” Nabatta said.
