National Unity Platform (NUP) spokesperson and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, has responded firmly to criticism following the party’s controversial decision to deny veteran MP and lawyer Medard Lubega Ssegona the party flag for Busiro East, instead endorsing singer and cultural figure Mathias Walukagga.
Appearing on local radio station, Ssenyonyi addressed backlash from fellow opposition politician Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, who questioned the competence of NUP’s chosen candidate.
Nganda argued that national leadership should be grounded in experience and capability not popularity.
“Are we selecting MPs just because they organize goat races in villages?, Parliament is not a concert stage. We need seasoned leaders like Ssegona or Joyce Bagala, especially for the post-Museveni era.”,Nganda asked.
In response, Ssenyonyi pushed back against the notion that academic qualifications are the ultimate measure of leadership.
“People made similar judgments about Hon. Kyagulanyi when he joined politics as a musician. But Ugandans saw leadership potential in him,Why can’t Hon. Walukagga also be given that same opportunity?”,Ssenyonyi said.
He pointed to the example of the late Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, who faced heavy criticism for his background but went on to become one of the most active MPs in Parliament before his passing.
“I respect Hon. Ssegona, but he’s not indispensable,that belief that only a select few can lead is exactly the kind of thinking we accuse Museveni of promoting.”,Ssenyonyi added.
Ssenyonyi further challenged the argument that Uganda’s leadership crisis stems from a lack of academic credentials.
“In the current Parliament, 86% of MPs hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. There are 18 PhD holders, and only 20 MPs don’t have A’level qualifications,” he revealed. “Yet Parliament has consistently failed to serve Ugandans.”
He pointed to widespread corruption, including allegations of MPs being bribed to pass controversial laws, as evidence that education alone does not guarantee good governance.
“Highly educated MPs are often the ones selling out their people. The issue isn’t educationit’s integrity, accountability, and commitment to the people.”,sseyonyi noted.
Ssenyonyi, himself a former journalist with four years in Parliament, used his own political journey to reinforce his point.
“I’ve served to the best of my ability. Hon. Kyagulanyi has led people with far more political experience for five years now. Leadership isn’t about degrees it’s about vision and a genuine connection with the people.”
He also questioned the assumption that English-speaking professionals make better MPs.
“Busiro East has been under Hon. Ssegona for 15 years. He speaks good English, yes. But let’s be honesthas he delivered so exceptionally that no one else can lead?”
Ssenyonyi emphasized that NUP’s mission is not to elevate the most credentialed candidates, but those who reflect the will and aspirations of ordinary Ugandans.
“We must not confuse education with leadership. Many of the most educated MPs have failed not because they lacked knowledge, but because they lacked integrity,” he concluded.
