By KAMPALA, UGANDA — Medard Lubega Sseggona, a veteran Member of Parliament for Busiro South, said he “saw the signs” and was not caught off guard by the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) decision to deny him its parliamentary flag.
Sseggona, who has served three terms in the legislative body, said that the party’s choice to back another candidate was not unexpected, despite his long service and what he described as strong credentials. The NUP confirmed Monday that Kyengera Town Mayor and musician Mathias Walukagga would carry the party flag for the constituency, effectively sidelining Sseggona.
The legislator claimed that the current leadership had signaled its intentions long ago, asserting that internal tensions existed even before the public fallout with former Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga.
“Even before the Mpuuga scenario, there were rumors that they wanted to oust us,” Sseggona said.
The veteran MP, a lawyer by profession, highlighted his history with the party’s foundation. He noted he was among those who drafted the NUP’s constitution, which outlines procedures for selecting flagbearers, but contended that those provisions have never been implemented.
He also questioned the legitimacy of the grassroots consultations, which were supposed to account for 60% of the vetting process. “When you say you asked people on the ground, you need to have evidence. Who did you ask? Is he or she a party member? Where does this person live?” he asked.
Despite the rejection, Sseggona insisted he harbors no personal bitterness toward the party and dismissed speculation about running as an independent. “I am not bitter; I am actually better. I am not mad at my party, and I have peace in my heart,” he said.
Sseggona, who currently chairs the Public Accounts Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises, said his next political move would be determined by his constituents.
“I have no personal project in the Parliament of Uganda. I am always deployed by various stakeholders the party and the people of Busiro. Now that the party has made its decision, I am going to consult with the people of Busiro,” he said.
Sseggona joins a list of sidelined MPs, including Mityana Woman MP Joyce Bagala and Makindye East’s Derrick Nyeko, who were also dropped from NUP’s final flagbearer list ahead of the 2026 elections.
