KAMPALA — Leaders of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) have warned Members of Parliament against engaging in corruption, saying the party will not shield any legislator found culpable of misusing public resources.
The warning was issued during the party’s third inauguration meeting at its headquarters in Kavule, Makerere, where NUP also unveiled a new leadership team for its parliamentary caucus.
Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi said the party’s anti-corruption stance remains non-negotiable and must be upheld by all its leaders.
“As has been our norm from the start, we have called out our members to stand tall in situations that may tempt them to swindle public funds. We have come out strong on even our party leaders and we hope that no one gets to that level. Let’s work for the people,” Ssenyonyi said.
He warned that the party would not hesitate to act against any member implicated in corruption.
“When we get any evidence of corruption, we shall deal with our member decisively. We now implore you leaders of the caucus and the shadow cabinet at large to not only speak but also work against corruption,” he added.
The remarks come amid lingering memories of the fallout between NUP and former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga over allegations relating to parliamentary service awards, accusations he consistently denied.
The dispute eventually led to Mpuuga’s departure from NUP and the formation of the Democratic Front (DF) in 2025.
During the meeting, the party appointed Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze as chairperson of the parliamentary caucus, deputised by Nyendo-Mukungwe MP David Lulaba Ssembia.
Party leaders said the new caucus team will be expected to champion accountability, discipline and effective coordination among NUP legislators in Parliament.
Lubowa Ssebina Gyaviira, the Nyendo Mukungwe MP, who was appointed caucus vice chairperson and recently named Shadow Minister for Finance, pledged to serve with integrity.
“It is challenging that my party has seen potential in me, and as a first-time Member of Parliament, they are entrusting me with all these positions. I will not let them down because my background speaks volumes about my integrity,” Gyaviira said.
The Parliamentary Caucus Chairperson coordinates NUP’s Members of Parliament and serves as the link between party leadership and legislators on parliamentary business and policy positions.
The new leadership assumes office as the party seeks to strengthen internal discipline and sharpen its oversight role ahead of the next electoral cycle.
