KAMPALA, Uganda – January 16, 2025: The National Unity Platform (NUP) has appointed Butambala County Member of Parliament, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, as the new Vice-President for the Buganda Region.
Kivumbi succeeds Mathias Mpuuga, who was officially dismissed from the party during Thursday’s National Consultative Meeting in Kampala.
Mpuuga, the former Leader of the Opposition, fell out with the party last year following controversy over a Shs500 million service award. He has since established a political pressure group, the Democratic Alliance.
Kivumbi, who chairs the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, was appointed by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. His appointment was subsequently approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). He will serve in an acting capacity until June, when the party’s next delegates’ conference is scheduled.
In addition to Kivumbi’s appointment, other acting officials were also named. Jacqueline Tukamushaba was appointed Vice President for the Western Region, replacing the late Joly Mugisha. Harriet Ageno takes over as Secretary for Policy, succeeding the late Toret Akecha, while Benjamin Katana has been named the NUP representative on the National Consultative Forum. All the appointees will hold their positions in an acting capacity until June, as NUP moves to strengthen its leadership ahead of the forthcoming political season.
Kivumbi, born on October 19, 1973, in Butambala District, Central Uganda, is an economist and politician. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Makerere University in 1998 and has held various leadership roles, including serving as the Chairperson of the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus.
In his maiden address, Kivumbi pledged to reinvigorate the party’s grassroots movement and empower its youth leadership. He emphasized his commitment to advancing the party’s vision and priorities, stating, “I am deeply honored by this appointment and ready to support our president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, in leading this country.” He also urged party members to focus on the future rather than dwell on past disputes, adding, “A river runs continuously, leaving stagnant waters in the swamps.”
