Mityana Woman MP Joyce Bagala has voiced her disappointment over what she suspects may have influenced her exclusion from the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket ahead of the 2026 general elections, her personal friendship with former Leader of Opposition now DF president , Mathias Mpuuga.
Joyce Bagala, a former journalist and senior editor at Next Media, described it as “extremely petty” for a political party aiming to lead the country to base such a critical decision on personal associations.
“If my relationship with Mpuuga was the reason I was denied the party ticket, then that’s very childish. It’s unfortunate that a party seeking national leadership would make such a decision based on personal friendships.” Joyce Bagala said in recent interview.
Sources within NUP point to Bagala’s perceived neutrality during internal tensions between party president Robert Kyagulanyi and Mpuuga. She notably declined to sign a censure motion against Mpuuga and continued to attend events organized by him actions seen by some in the party as disloyal.
Additionally, her inconsistent attendance at party meetings drew criticism, with calls for her to apologize alongside other MPs accused of indiscipline. While Bagala says she is open to apologizing, she insists the party must first clarify what exactly she did wrong.
“Apologizing is human, and I’m willing to do so. But the party needs to tell me what specific wrongdoing I’m being accused of,” she said.
Bagala, who won the Mityana Woman MP seat in 2021 under the NUP banner, will now be replaced by newcomer Proscovia Mukisa as the party’s flagbearer in the 2026 race.
Following the announcement, Bagala thanked her supporters and emphasized that her political strength comes not from a party ticket but from the trust of her constituents.
“Losing the party card isn’t the end of the road,What truly matters is the bond I share with the people of Mityana. That’s where my strength lies.”,she said
She added: “I respect the party’s decision, but I also know that the people’s voice is more powerful than any endorsement. I will continue to walk with them.”
Despite the setback, Bagala remains optimistic and suggests her next move will be determined by the will of her constituents not party politics.
As the 2026 elections approach, Bagala and Mukisa are expected to face off against Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Nabakooba, who lost the seat to Joyce Bagala in 2021, is reportedly preparing a strong comeback, backed by substantial financial support.
