A fresh political dispute has emerged after the National Unity Platform (NUP) formally expressed interest in joining the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), triggering sharp criticism from former Resident City Commissioner Herbert Anderson Burora.
In a letter dated June 18, 2026, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya wrote to the IPOD Executive Director confirming the party’s intention to sign the Memorandum of Understanding and formally join the platform.
The letter references earlier engagements and affirms NUP’s commitment to the principles and obligations outlined under IPOD.
Rubongoya noted that the party’s substantive president, Robert Kyagulanyi, is currently out of the country.
As a result, Acting President Lina Zedriga Waru has been mandated to execute all necessary instruments on behalf of the party.
The move signals a significant shift in NUP’s stance, having previously criticized IPOD as ineffective and aligned with government interests.
The development has, however, drawn backlash from Burora, who accused Kyagulanyi of political inconsistency.
In a statement, Burora likened the opposition leader’s decision to re-engage with IPOD to a person returning to a previously rejected situation after failed alternatives.
“Kyagulanyi is like a woman who divorces because her man comes back late, only to find worse in another relationship and now wants to return,” Burora said.
He questioned the credibility of NUP’s earlier criticism of President Yoweri Museveni and the government, arguing that the latest move contradicts the party’s long-held position.
Burora further expressed disbelief over the contents of the letter, suggesting that it undermines the strong anti-establishment rhetoric previously associated with Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
“You wouldn’t believe this letter is written by Bobi Wine and signed by David Rubongoya,” he added.
The former RCC also used a metaphor from sports, stating, “Every great footballer has a coach,” implying that Kyagulanyi may be under external influence or political pressure.
Political analysts view the party’s potential entry into IPOD as a strategic recalibration, possibly aimed at increasing its influence within formal political processes ahead of future electoral cycles.
IPOD brings together political parties represented in Parliament to foster dialogue on governance and national issues, though its effectiveness has been a subject of ongoing debate within Uganda’s opposition circles.