Some supportive of Ssimbwa’s continued allegiance to the NUP argued that five years was not a long period, and that he should exercise patience and come back in 2031 if there will be necessity.
A heated debate ensued among supporters of Nakifuma County member of parliament Fred Ssimbwa, on whether he should rally behind Sulaiman Kiwanuka who was awarded the National Unity Platform (NUP) card to replace Ssimbwa in contesting for the parliamentary seat in 2026 parliamentary elections, or whether he should contest as an independent contestant.
Last week, as the NUP went about choosing candidates to represent it in the forthcoming elections, Ssimbwa’s continued stay in parliament was injured by denial of the party card in preference for Kiwanuka Sulaiman who was considered to have mustered massive support from NUP supporters.
Subsequently, a meeting was held at Ssimbwa’s home at Bamusuuta village in Nakifuma- Naggalama Town Council in Mukono district where supporters asked Ssimbwa to give up on the intention to stand as an independent but to consider rallying behind Kiwanuka, the official NUP flag holder.
Some supportive of Ssimbwa’s continued allegiance to the NUP argued that five years was not a long period, and that he should exercise patience and come back in 2031 if there will be necessity. Those subscribing to this school of thought advised Ssimbwa to throw his weight behind Kiwanuka for the sake of the party.
However, some were of the opinion that the legislator has enough numerical courage to give Kiwanuka a thorough bashing if he stood as an independent, and those thinking along that line encouraged him that they are available and ready to continue canvassing for votes for him.
In his submission, Ssimbwa prayed the supporters to be patient and wait for a ruling by the party tribunal where he submitted his petition challenging the decision of the party’s Election Management committee which denied him the card.
However, other onlookers castigated Ssimbwa for having called for a consultation meeting at a critical time when he is waiting for the decision of the tribunal where he petitioned.
“It is a very wrong timing for Ssimbwa to convene such a meeting yet at the same time he lodged in his petition challenging the EMC decision. I don’t think he can now expect any positive decision from the tribunal!” said one of the voters in Nakifuma constituency.
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