“Parliament Is Not For Comedians, It Requires People With Brains” Ssegona Allegedly Said After Unfair NUP Vetting Process That May Favor His Opponent Mathias Walukaga

Busiro East incumbent MP, Medard Ssegona, has openly criticized the National Unity Platform (NUP) vetting process for parliamentary candidates, claiming that it may favor his opponent, musician and Kyengera Municipality mayor, Mathias Walukaga.

Ssegona attended the vetting session at NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, expressing disappointment and raising questions about the fairness of the procedures. He suggested that the process might have been designed to benefit Walukaga while sidelining other experienced aspirants.

“Ugandans should know that Parliament is not for comedians or Kadongo Kamu musicians; it requires people with brains,” Ssegona said. He stressed that leadership in Parliament demands experience, intellect, and the ability to navigate complex national issues.

The MP further argued that a respected senior lawyer should not be replaced by an entertainer, regardless of popularity. “You cannot substitute legal expertise with musical talent and expect the same level of governance,” he added.

Ssegona emphasized that parliamentary roles require individuals capable of making informed decisions and addressing national challenges, not just candidates with public recognition or celebrity status.

“Parliament needs intelligent people who understand law and governance,” he said, reiterating the importance of competence over popularity in legislative work.

He also raised concerns about inconsistencies in the vetting process. According to Ssegona, Walukaga’s vetting session was unusually brief, and he was not asked to provide financial documents, a requirement applied to other candidates.

These discrepancies, Ssegona suggested, could point to favoritism or hidden agendas within the vetting process. He warned that preferential treatment of certain candidates undermines the credibility of the party’s nominations.

Responding to the criticism, Mathias Walukaga dismissed Ssegona’s allegations, saying he had long suspected the MP intended to leave NUP. Walukaga maintained that the vetting process was fair and transparent.

He argued that artists and musicians are equally capable of serving in Parliament, citing successful precedents such as musician-turned-MP Kyagulanyi, who represented Kyadondo East and delivered significant results for his constituents.

Walukaga insisted that effective leadership depends on commitment, diligence, and the ability to serve the people, rather than professional background alone. “Being a musician does not disqualify anyone from public service,” he said.

The NUP vetting process, conducted by the party’s Election Management Committee (EMC), is scheduled to continue until September 21, 2025. All aspirants must undergo vetting before the final list of candidates is released.

With the process still underway, debates and controversies over fairness and transparency are expected to continue. Many party members are closely monitoring the proceedings, concerned that bias could influence outcomes.

Ssegona’s outspoken criticism highlights internal tensions within NUP. Some members feel marginalized, raising concerns about potential defections or independent runs if they perceive favoritism within the party.

As the NUP parliamentary nominations progress, public and party scrutiny is likely to intensify. How the party addresses these concerns could have significant implications for its unity and overall performance in upcoming elections.