Busiro East MP and seasoned lawyer, Hon. Medard Lubega Ssegona, has voiced deep frustration over his treatment by the National Unity Platform (NUP), a political party he helped shape and promote.
His grievances follow NUP’s recent decision to endorse singer and kadongo kamu artist Mathias Walukaga as its flagbearer for Busiro East , a move Ssegona sees as a betrayal.
Speaking to supporters at his home in Buddo, Ssegona expressed disappointment over being sidelined by a party he once helped build from the ground up.
He emphasized that he played a pivotal role in introducing NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, to politics particularly during Bobi Wine’s transition into presidential politics.
“I was one of the first to stand with Bobi when the stakes were high. I fought hard to secure his release, even when others were afraid.”Ssegona said, referencing the 2018 treason charges against the then-Kyadondo East MP.
He recalled a tense moment when Bobi Wine was detained under unclear circumstances. At the time, Ssegona volunteered to accompany Bobi Wine and his wife Barbie in a vehicle, believing that his presence would deter any mistreatment or disappearance.
“When no one else was willing, I got into that car with Barbie and Bobi. I knew that my being there made it harder for them to be harmed or kidnapped,” he stated.
Ssegona also cited multiple efforts to secure Bobi Wine’s release from prison, including his time at the notorious Nalufenya detention center. He claimed that during the early days of NUP, he actively encouraged colleagues to take up party membership and was instrumental in rallying support for its cause.
“Because of my stance, I was branded a gangster. I was accused of aligning with thugs just for standing by Bobi Wine.Now, I watch as newcomers to the party are favored, while those of us who laid the foundation are cast aside.”Ssegona lamented.
The MP expressed dismay that loyalty and sacrifice are no longer valued within the party, adding that nothing stings more than being overlooked by those he once uplifted.
Interestingly, Bobi Wine himself has previously acknowledged Ssegona’s influence, revealing that it was Ssegona who first planted the idea of running for president in his mind. Although he initially dismissed the suggestion due to its weight, Bobi Wine admitted that it eventually took root and changed the course of his political career.
Despite this history, the rift between the two now reflects deeper tensions within NUP, as founding members like Ssegona question the party’s current direction and priorities.
