Medard Lubega Ssegona has formally picked nomination forms to contest again for the Busiro East parliamentary seat under the National Unity Platform (NUP), declaring it would be a grave mistake for the party to field anyone else in his place.
Speaking to journalists in Kavule shortly after collecting the forms, Ssegona exuded confidence in his record and qualifications.
“Are we really going to pretend that this party doesn’t need quality leaders?” he posed. “Look around, compare profiles, compare records. Look at me, look at my CV. It would be self-deception to imagine the party would replace me with someone less prepared for this job. NUP is a party of class—and I represent that class.”
Ssegona, who has represented Busiro East since 2011, remains the constituency’s longest-serving MP. All his predecessors served only a single term. His tenure has made him a formidable political figure in the area.
Businessman Emmanuel Matovu has also picked nomination forms, signalling his intention to challenge Ssegona in the NUP primaries. However, Ssegona appears unfazed by any emerging competition.
At a recent public event in Busiro East, Ssegona hinted at broader political ambitions within the party, saying he is ready to step into NUP’s top leadership role once current party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, completes his agreed-upon two terms.
“When Kyagulanyi’s two terms, which we mutually agreed upon, come to an end, the next president will come from Busiro—and that will be me,” he declared confidently.
Despite his firm standing within NUP, Ssegona’s political path has not been without friction. He is widely regarded as an ally of former Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga, who was recently forced out of his leadership position over corruption allegations. Ssegona was among the vocal MPs who defended Mpuuga during the party fallout.
Both men were part of the DP Bloc before joining NUP in 2020. Mpuuga has since launched a new political outfit, the Democratic Front, leading to speculation over Ssegona’s future allegiance.
However, by picking nomination forms on Monday under the NUP banner, Ssegona has, at least for now, reaffirmed his loyalty to the party.
