Bukomansimbi, Uganda – Residents of Bukomansimbi are calling for a public apology from Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition, following controversial remarks he made during a funeral last week. The event, held in memory of Robert Kyagulanyi’s paternal grandmother, became contentious when Ssenyonyi publicly criticized Veronica Nanyondo, the district’s Woman MP, for her withdrawal of support from a censure motion against parliamentary commissioners accused of mismanaging public funds.
Many attendees found Ssenyonyi’s comments inappropriate for the solemn occasion, expressing disappointment in his approach. Joseph Kamuli, chairperson of Kitanda Sub-County, criticized the opposition leader’s behavior, stating, “The leaders we trusted to unite us are now undermining their own members. This behavior jeopardizes the credibility of the party.”
Kamuli further noted that the issue involving Nanyondo had already been resolved, making Ssenyonyi’s criticism unnecessary. Some residents voiced concerns that Ssenyonyi’s actions reflect poorly on the National Unity Platform (NUP), which had previously been seen as a source of hope for many in the district. “NUP was the beacon of hope for us,” Kamuli said, “but incidents like these make us question whether the party can maintain the trust we placed in it.”
Hajj Muhammad Kateregga, a seasoned politician in Bukomansimbi, warned that such public disputes weaken the opposition’s efforts to challenge the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the upcoming 2026 elections. He urged opposition leaders to prioritize unity and resolve disputes internally. “This is a time for leaders to lower their egos and mobilize the people to bring about change,” Kateregga stated.
As discussions continue, political analysts emphasize the importance of internal cohesion for opposition parties. They argue that unity and strategic planning are essential if the opposition hopes to present a credible challenge to the NRM and regain voter trust.