“NUP’s Kampala Woman MP Ticket: A Power Struggle Between Luyirika and Malende”
By Deep State files
According to highly placed sources, in National Unity Platform (NUP) Principal Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) recently summoned Zaharah Luyirika, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Speaker, for a private meeting at his Busabala beach home. The meeting was followed by another gathering at NUP headquarters in Makerere Kavule, where Bobi Wine attempted to convince Luyirika to abandon her interest in contesting for the Makindye West parliamentary seat.
Sources claim that Bobi Wine wants to front Ali Kasirye Mulyanyama, the Makindye Division mayor, for the seat. This is not the first time Bobi Wine has used his influence to determine NUP’s candidates. Similar attempts were made to convince Mulyanyama to step down for the Kampala Lord Mayor position in favor of Ronald Balimwezo, and Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu was also persuaded to abandon his bid for the same position.
Luyirika reportedly asked Bobi Wine for more time to consult her supporters, citing her existing groundwork in the area. She assured him that she would seek another meeting after two weeks. However, Bobi Wine’s efforts to persuade Luyirika seem to be part of a larger power struggle within NUP.
Meanwhile, Mulyanyama has expressed his intention to contest for the Makindye West seat, despite competition from David Musiri and incumbent Allan Ssewanyana. Sources suggest that Bobi Wine advised Musiri to consider a councilor slot instead of the MP seat, but Musiri declined.
The article also reveals that tensions between Bobi Wine and NUP’s Kawempe North legislator, Mulindwa Malende, may have contributed to Malende’s reported decision to step aside. Sources claim that Malende’s alleged involvement in negotiations that led to the release of Muhammad Ssegirinya and Allan Ssewanyana from prison, as well as her perceived lack of commitment to party activities, may have strained her relationship with Bobi Wine.
Sources claim that Malende’s collapse may have been caused by David Lewis Rubongoya, who advised Bobi Wine to allow Luyirika to contest against the incumbent Kampala District woman legislator. According to sources, Rubongoya’s advice was motivated by Malende’s alleged abandonment of party activities.
When Malende was sick, Rubongoya visited her home and advised her to ‘style up’ because Bobi Wine was unhappy with her behavior, particularly her failure to pick up his phone calls,” a source revealed. “Malende jokingly responded that Bobi Wine could reach her through WhatsApp, as she finds it easier to pick up WhatsApp calls. This response reportedly annoyed Rubongoya, who then reported back to Bobi Wine.
This incident may have contributed to the current situation, where Malende’s political future appears uncertain.
Some NUP legislators, including Aisha Kabanda and Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, are reportedly suspicious of Luyirika’s intentions and have questioned her loyalty to the party. They claim that Luyirika has a history of double-dealing and may be working with Museveni’s government.
When contacted, Luyirika denied that her decision to contest against Malende was influenced by anyone at NUP headquarters. She claimed that her decision was guided by her political strategists and that she has no personal grudge against Malende.
Luyirika is currently under investigation by the Inspector General of Government (IGG) for alleged corruption and abuse of office.
