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Mr. Mathias Mpuuga stands as a significant figure in the political landscape of Masaka and nationally. Over the past 13 years, few politicians in the region have secured their seats without leveraging Mr. Mpuuga’s influence. Formerly a Democratic Party (DP) stalwart and now the National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for Buganda Region, Mpuuga’s political weight has earned him admiration among many but has also sparked envy and opposition.
Presently, Mr. Mpuuga finds himself at odds with certain NUP leaders in Masaka, notably city mayor Florence Namayanja and city councillor Alice Nanungi. Their disagreement stems from conflicting views on the execution of the party’s mobilization drive, known as ‘Kunga Uganda’, within the region. While some perceive ‘Kunga Uganda’ as a strategy to bolster NUP’s support base, others suspect it to favor newcomers eyeing parliamentary seats in 2026, thereby igniting tensions within the party ranks.
The emerging political discord in Masaka poses a formidable challenge to Mr. Mpuuga’s grip on his stronghold. Opponents of Mpuuga are quick to promote Ms. Namayanja as a potential replacement, amplifying the internal power struggle within NUP. Meanwhile, Mr. Mpuuga’s recent removal as Leader of the Opposition (LOP) in Parliament has further exacerbated tensions within the party.
The rift between factions has been simmering for some time. When NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi tasked Mr. Mpuuga with reorganizing Buganda and resolving internal conflicts, it marked a pivotal moment. However, Mr. Mpuuga’s subsequent actions, such as suspending ‘Kunga Uganda’ activities in Masaka, only served to exacerbate tensions within the party.
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Despite facing mounting pressure, Mr. Mpuuga has remained defiant, rejecting calls to resign from his position as Parliamentary Commissioner. This refusal has triggered accusations of political maneuvering aimed at undermining his influence. Observers fear that such internal strife could weaken Mr. Mpuuga’s political standing and impact NUP’s dominance in the region.
The ongoing infighting within NUP has drawn attention from various quarters, including Buganda Kingdom. Prominent figures within the kingdom have praised Mpuuga’s leadership while urging reconciliation within the party ranks. However, the underlying causes of the discord, including allegations of corruption and external influence, remain unresolved.
As Masaka becomes a battleground for political supremacy, the NRM, NUP’s rival, seeks to capitalize on the turmoil to strengthen its position ahead of the 2026 general elections. With the fate of Masaka’s political landscape hanging in the balance, the outcome of this power struggle will shape the region’s political trajectory for years to come.
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