Bobi Wine’s NUP Turns Down 2026 Alliance With Besigye’s Katonga Road Camp , Says They Have No Agenda – Unserious

The National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy spokesperson, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, has affirmed that there are no intentions for a political alliance ahead of the 2026 general elections between their party and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga group.

Speaking exclusively to theGrapevine, Mufumbiro emphasized that NUP is a serious political entity and cannot engage in agreements with individuals or groups lacking a clear political agenda.Mufumbiro’s statement follows an investigation revealing resistance from Bobi Wine’s political advisors to a proposed alliance with Dr. Besigye’s Katonga group.

Reports suggest that Bobi Wine was cautioned by one of his advisors about Besigye’s alleged plan to leverage him to garner support for his wife, Winnie Byanyima’s potential presidential candidacy in 2026.Internal sources within FDC claim that tensions between Besigye and Mafabi stem, in part, from disagreements over Byanyima’s political aspirations.

Mafabi reportedly accused Besigye of pushing for Byanyima’s candidacy for the FDC presidential ticket in 2026, conflicting with his own ambitions.During discussions between Bobi Wine and Besigye, the latter purportedly assured Bobi Wine that Byanyima wouldn’t run for president but would offer support instead, a prospect that pleased Bobi Wine due to Byanyima’s financial stability.

Despite initial enthusiasm, Bobi Wine’s associates cautioned him about potential betrayal by Besigye.

Robert Mayanja, a political activist within FDC Katonga, revealed ongoing discussions between Bobi Wine and Besigye since 2021, explaining Besigye’s recent appearances at NUP events as reciprocation.

“Those are just supporters, what I can tell you is that Bobi Wine and many leaders in NUP are still in talks because all of us are fighting one enemy. Its true we have people who think about themselves and they are the ones telling you that the talks have collapsed,” Mayanja said.

However, Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, Bobi Wine’s elder brother and NUP Chief Mobilizer, allegedly influenced Bobi Wine against collaborating with Besigye in 2026, possibly due to the ambitions of Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.Nyanzi’s decision reportedly stemmed from his intention to challenge Lukwago in 2026, despite competition from other NUP figures.

Mayanja asserted Nyanzi’s potential candidacy wouldn’t sway Kampala voters, citing past electoral victories against opposition candidates.

“The people of Kampala know what they want from their Lord Mayor. Nyanzi might be having friends in the NRM including Gen. Salim Saleh and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni but he will not win Lukwago, for that I’m assuring him,” Mayanja boasted.

Micheal Kabaziguruka, FDC Katonga camp Electoral Commission chairperson, expressed readiness to proceed independently if NUP declined collaboration, highlighting their strong grassroots support.Internal sources within Katonga revealed Besigye’s proposal to maintain autonomy from NUP, utilizing FDC’s grassroots support to oust Mafabi and Amuriat from Najjanankumbi.

In contrast, Wasswa Birigwa, FDC Katonga faction National chairperson, advocated for forming a new party, suggesting the name “Front for Democratic Change” to symbolize continuity.

However, Besigye opposed the idea, fearing a recurrence of FDC’s fate.Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Kira Municipality legislator, hinted at potential collaboration with NUP for the 2026 elections, prompting mixed reactions among NUP members in Kira.

Ssemujju’s apprehensions about NRM pressure without FDC’s support drove his interest in aligning with NUP, despite concerns about party dynamics.Ssemujju allegedly plans to retire from politics in 2036, with ongoing financial preparations for post-political independence.