The National Unity Platform has announced a new leadership team for its parliamentary caucus and warned its legislators against corruption.
The opposition party unveiled the new caucus leaders during its third parliamentary induction meeting at its headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, Kampala, on Monday.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze was named chairperson of the NUP Parliamentary Caucus. Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Gyaviira Lubowa Ssebina was appointed deputy chairperson.
Ssenyonyi warns MPs on corruption
Speaking at the meeting, newly appointed Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi urged caucus leaders and MPs to uphold integrity.
He asked them to avoid situations that could expose them to corruption scandals.
“As has been our norm from the start, we have called upon our members to stand firm in situations that may tempt them to swindle public funds. We have come out strongly even against our own party leaders, and we hope no one reaches that level. Let us work for the people,” Mr Ssenyonyi said.
He said NUP would not hesitate to take action against any member found culpable of corruption.
“When we get any evidence of corruption, we shall deal with our members decisively. We now implore you, leaders of the caucus and the shadow cabinet at large, not only to speak against corruption but also to work actively to fight it,” he said.
Mpuuga fallout remains a key backdrop
Mr Ssenyonyi’s remarks come amid the lingering fallout between NUP and former Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga.
In 2022, allegations emerged over a controversial parliamentary service award linked to Mr Mpuuga. The issue returned to public attention in 2024 during scrutiny of parliamentary funds.
The controversy later led to his removal from NUP leadership positions. It also deepened tensions between him and the party leadership.
In 2025, Mr Mpuuga formally left NUP and launched the Democratic Front. He accused his former party of unfair treatment.
NUP, however, maintained that it could not tolerate corruption within its ranks.
Gyaviira welcomes new role
Mr Gyaviira, who was recently appointed shadow minister for Finance, welcomed his election as deputy caucus chairperson.
He said the party’s decision showed confidence in his ability to serve.
“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,” he said.
Mr Gyaviira will now serve as both deputy caucus chairperson and shadow minister for Finance.
Ms Nambooze will serve as caucus chairperson while also chairing Parliament’s Local Government Committee.
The NUP Parliamentary Caucus chairperson coordinates the party’s MPs in Parliament. The role also links the parliamentary wing to the party’s top leadership.
The office helps guide legislative strategy, enforce party discipline, and promote cohesion among MPs on major national issues.
The caucus leadership will work closely with the shadow cabinet under the supervision of the Leader of the Opposition.
Former MPs caution legislators on debt
During the induction, former legislators also advised new MPs to exercise financial discipline.
Former Leader of the Opposition Winnie Kizza warned legislators against guaranteeing loans for colleagues without caution.
“One of the challenges I faced when I entered Parliament was dealing with members who were not financially disciplined and eventually left me exposed because I had seconded them for loans. Be careful about whom you borrow from or recommend for credit because you may end up disappointed,” Ms Kizza said.
She also urged MPs, especially shadow ministers, to study policy documents and strengthen their legislative skills.
“When it comes to legislation, please read extensively so that you come to the floor of the House as informed persons. Do not fear to consult and make the library your friend. You should arm yourselves adequately during consideration of Ministerial Policy Statements because, as shadow ministers, you must present alternative policy positions,” she said.
NUP promises continued mentorship
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya said the party would make induction and mentorship a regular activity.
He said the engagements would continue throughout the current parliamentary term.
“I know we have been having one-off induction meetings, but we shall continue with these engagements throughout the five years so that we keep reminding ourselves about these important matters,” Mr Rubongoya said.
