This morning, Rubaga Cathedral played host to more than just Palm Sunday and the Kabaka’s 70th birthday celebrations—it became the unexpected stage for a rare political moment.
National Unity Platform (NUP) president Bobi Wine and embattled party member Mathias Mpuuga were seen sitting side by side, exchanging smiles and laughs.
Their friendly public appearance quickly spread across social media, with local outlets chiming in with captions like: “FINALLY: The Kabaka of Buganda has brought together Bobi Wine and Mathias Mpuuga.”
For many Ugandans, this was more than just a cordial moment—it hinted at a possible thaw in one of NUP’s most publicized internal conflicts.
A Historic Rift Revisited
To understand the weight of this reunion, rewind to early 2024. Mathias Mpuuga, then deputy president of NUP for Buganda and former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, was implicated in a scandal involving a controversial Shs1.7 billion service award.
Bobi Wine demanded accountability—calling for Mpuuga to step down as parliamentary commissioner and return the funds. Mpuuga refused. What followed was a political fallout that saw Mpuuga suspended from NUP and a series of fiery public exchanges that dominated headlines.
Their estrangement was most visibly felt during a tense encounter at a funeral in May 2024, where the two leaders and other senior party members stood divided in front of mourners and cameras.
Why This Reunion Matters
This surprise reunion at Rubaga Cathedral is symbolically potent. The Kabaka remains a unifying cultural figure in Buganda, and his birthday holds deep cultural and spiritual significance.
The fact that it coincided with Palm Sunday only deepened the occasion’s emotional resonance.
Seeing Bobi Wine and Mpuuga seated together—laughing, no less—sparked renewed public hope for healing within NUP, a party whose credibility has been tested by internal wrangles and leadership feuds.
But is this reconciliation or just good manners for a royal occasion? Neither side has released a statement clarifying the nature of their interaction. So far, it seems more symbolic than substantive.
A Glimpse into NUP’s Future?
While this public gesture is encouraging for NUP supporters, it raises bigger questions. Will Mpuuga be reinstated? Can the party unify ahead of 2026? Or is this merely a photo op driven by Buganda’s cultural gravity?
As of now, Mpuuga remains technically suspended from NUP, and no signs point to him forming or joining a new political party. His silence may be strategic—or reflective of a more profound internal negotiation yet to surface.
One thing is certain: Ugandans are watching closely.
This rare, candid moment between two former allies is a timely reminder that politics—like culture and faith—often thrives on shared space and symbolism.
Whether this shared pew at Rubaga will lead to shared goals again remains to be seen.
