NUP: Kateregga does not speak for our party

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | National Unity Platform- NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine has distanced the party from comments by Ali Kateregga, a NUP Councilor from Masaka who pleaded with President Yoweri Museveni to release the jailed NUP party supporters.

At the swearing-in ceremony of new ministers at State House on Wednesday, Kateregga asked President Museveni to release the supporters who were arrested during the 2021 general elections.

Kateregga, who was wearing the NUP signature red beret, told Museveni that the supporters were misled by politicians with personal interests.  He added that releasing the supporters will be the biggest Eid gift the President will give to the nation.

In response, President Museveni said that the matter would be looked into for the supporters who did not commit capital offenses like murder.

However, speaking to party supporters at the NUP Headquarters in Makerere Kavule for the belated Women’s Day celebrations, Kyagulanyi denounced the actions of the councilor, claiming that he does not reflect any of the party’s views.

Kyagulanyi stated that they will not bargain with the government over their fundamental rights because they are guaranteed by the Constitution.

This is not the first time Bobi Wine has rejected negotiations with the government regarding detained NUP members. Last year, he rejected requests from various quarters, including Kimaanya Kabonera MP Dr. Abed Bwanika, to negotiate the release of detained NUP members.

Kyagulanyi also urged NUP Women leaders to embrace vying for elective positions but asked them to desist from engaging in corruption.

Kyagulanyi’s wife Barbie Kyagulanyi, challenged women to project themselves as capable leaders and persuade the appointing authorities to give them the top positions.

Dr. Lina Zedriga, the NUP Deputy President Northern region commended Bobi Wine for promoting inclusivity within the party, particularly citing her recent appointment as acting President, when Kyagulanyi was out of the country.

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URN