Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been appointed as the new Vice-President for Buganda Region in the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP). His appointment was announced on Thursday during a media briefing in Kampala, following the dismissal of Mathias Mpuuga from the party.
Mpuuga, the former Leader of the Opposition, had a public fallout with the party last year over allegations surrounding a controversial Shs500 million service award.
He has since formed a political pressure group, the Democratic Alliance. Kivumbi’s appointment, made by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), was approved by the party’s National Executive Committee. Serving in an acting capacity, Kivumbi will hold the position until June, when NUP’s delegates convene to decide on leadership roles.
In addition to Kivumbi, NUP announced other acting appointments, including Jacqueline Tukamushaba as Vice-President for the Western Region, Harriet Ageno as Secretary for Policy, and Benjamin Katana as the party’s representative on the National Consultative Forum.
Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya emphasized the importance of these appointments as NUP strengthens its leadership ahead of the next political season. “The ball is now in your court,” Rubongoya stated, urging the new appointees to deliver on their mandates.