Busiro East MP and veteran lawyer Medard Sseggona has officially parted ways with the National Unity Platform (NUP), declaring his intention to seek re-election as an independent candidate in the 2026 general elections.
The development follows NUP’s decision on Monday to hand its parliamentary flag to singer and kadongo kamu artist Mathias Walukaga, signaling a shift in the party’s preferred representation for Busiro East.
Speaking from his home in Buddo on Wednesday, the 51-year-old legislator said the move came after extensive consultations with his constituents, many of whom urged him to stand independently in response to what they described as an “unjust” party selection process.
“The party has its role, and so do the people. Ultimately, it is the people who should guide the party not the other way around.I am going back to the people so they can decide directly.”Sseggona said.
At the same meeting, several of his supporters expressed discontent with NUP’s internal processes, accusing the party leadership of sidelining loyal cadres in favor of handpicked candidates. Sseggona, they argued, had served both the party and opposition causes diligently, often offering legal representation to activists without charge.
“Bobi is our president, but for MP, it’s Sseggona,” one supporter proclaimed.
Others warned that favoritism in candidate selection could alienate grassroots supporters.
“The NUP we believed in was one where our voices mattered,” another supporter added.
In defending his record, Sseggona highlighted his contribution to building NUP’s presence in Busiro East and his support for Robert Kyagulanyi’s rise to national prominence. He brushed off criticisms of absenteeism in Parliament, promising greater visibility and engagement if re-elected.
He also took a veiled swipe at Walukaga, cautioning voters against treating parliamentary representation as entertainment.
“Leadership is not comedy. We must elect people who can debate and understand national issues,” he said.
Sseggona further claimed that the party’s decision to deny him the flag was a calculated effort to weaken Buganda’s influence in Parliament, a strategy he believes plays into the ruling party’s hands.
Despite the fallout, he reaffirmed his commitment to opposing President Museveni’s regime and supporting Kyagulanyi’s presidential aspirations, distancing himself from any factions that might undermine that goal.
Looking ahead, he announced plans to hold a series of constituency conventions at parish and sub-county levels, after which he will unveil his campaign manifesto and symbol.
Using a pointed metaphor, Sseggona likened NUP to an umbrella with holes: “When it rains, water leaks through.”
He concluded by declaring this moment as the start of a new chapter focused on reclaiming his parliamentary seat and “helping the people understand the truth.”