The political scene in Mbarara City took a dramatic twist when Hon. Peter Mpaka, a candidate for Mbarara City North Member of Parliament, officially withdrew from the race and announced his resignation from the National Unity Platform (NUP). His decision to step down comes amid claims that the party failed to honor its promises of logistical and financial support, leaving him unable to run a meaningful campaign.
Mpaka, who had already been nominated by the Electoral Commission to contest in the upcoming election, explained that he had no choice but to quit after NUP reneged on its commitment to provide essential campaign resources. According to Mpaka, the party initially assured all candidates that they would be facilitated with the necessary funds and logistical support. However, he claimed that as the campaign period approached, he was told by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and the party’s Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya that there would be no financial backing for candidates.
“I was promised support, but later I was told there was nothing coming. It’s impossible to run a credible campaign without proper logistics, and I can’t afford to self-finance this race,” Mpaka said, expressing his frustration with the party’s leadership.
Mpaka further disclosed that he had formally written to Bobi Wine and the Electoral Commission, informing them of his decision to withdraw from the race. He made it clear that he had completely severed ties with NUP and was exploring other political avenues, including the possibility of joining the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a rival opposition group.
“I have officially abandoned my NUP membership, and I have informed the Electoral Commission accordingly,” he said, adding that his decision was driven by the party’s failure to deliver on its promises. “I’m now considering other options, but for now, I’m no longer part of NUP.”
In a sharp response to rumors circulating about his sudden departure, Mpaka strongly rejected allegations that he had been bought off by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to quit the race. “I want to make it clear that I was not bribed by NRM,” he asserted. “I stepped down because I had no resources to campaign and NUP did not fulfill its promises. These accusations are not only false but also defamatory.”
Mpaka’s withdrawal highlights growing dissatisfaction within NUP, which has faced increasing criticism for its lack of support for candidates, poor coordination, and failure to effectively mobilize resources. Several other aspiring candidates have reportedly faced similar challenges, with accusations that the party has neglected key constituencies and left candidates to fend for themselves.
This latest development in Mbarara comes at a critical juncture as the 2026 general election approaches. Political analysts suggest that Mpaka’s exit could significantly alter the dynamics of the Mbarara City North race. If Mpaka decides to join another opposition group like the PFF, it could create new alliances and rivalries in the region, reshaping the electoral landscape.
Mpaka’s decision has also drawn attention to broader issues within Uganda’s opposition parties. While many supporters initially placed their hopes in NUP as a force for change, the party’s inability to meet basic logistical needs for candidates has caused growing disenchantment among its members. Mpaka’s exit is just one example of the frustration many feel as the party struggles to balance its ambitious goals with its actual capacity to deliver on promises.
With Mpaka now out of the race, the Mbarara City North constituency remains a hotly contested political battleground. His withdrawal could pave the way for other opposition candidates to enter the fray, potentially opening the door for new alliances or confrontations. Political watchers are closely following the situation to see which direction the race will take as the election season draws nearer.
For now, the void left by Mpaka’s departure is keenly felt in Mbarara, a city that has seen its fair share of political volatility. It remains to be seen whether the opposition will regroup and find a strong candidate to challenge the NRM’s grip on power or whether the splintering of NUP will benefit the ruling party.
Mpaka’s story is a cautionary tale of the challenges facing many Ugandan opposition candidates who find themselves abandoned by their own parties at critical moments. It also serves as a reminder that without proper planning and resources, even the most promising political campaigns can quickly unravel, leaving aspiring leaders with no choice but to quit the race altogether.
In conclusion, Peter Mpaka’s exit from the Mbarara City North MP race is a reflection of the mounting frustrations within the opposition, particularly within NUP. As the political landscape continues to shift, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether other candidates will face the same obstacles or whether they will find ways to overcome the limitations that have plagued many in Uganda’s political opposition.
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