For quite some time now, several key positions within the party have remained vacant, with little action taken to fill them. But, as party leaders finally admit, it’s about time these positions are occupied—although one might wonder why it took so long.
The new executive members were officially announced by the party secretary, David Lewis Rubongoya, at a press event held at the party headquarters in Makerere Kavule on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Despite the promising tone of the announcement, many are left questioning the timing and the real implications of these changes.
Party President Robert Kyagulanyi took the opportunity to emphasize the need for new executive members to remain true to the party’s core values. This, he claimed, would be crucial for building a better future for the country. But with leadership changes occurring so often, it’s unclear how long these “values” will hold steady before they too shift with the next leadership shuffle.
Here are some of the new appointments, though the frequent changes may leave voters skeptical about the party’s stability:
Deputy President for the Central Region: Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi now takes over from Nyendo Mukungwe Mathias Mpunga, a change that raises eyebrows due to the sudden nature of the switch.
Vice-Chairperson of the National Consultative Forum: Benjamin Katana steps in to replace the late Jolly Mugisha—while a noble gesture, it’s hard not to wonder whether the leadership transition could have been handled sooner.
Western Region Deputy Secretary for Youth: Godfrey Bwabale replaces Moses Aguude, yet the question remains: will this change actually lead to any significant youth engagement, or is it just another reshuffling?
Secretary for the Elderly: With the untimely passing of Byarugaba William, Rev. Dr. Ben Byamugisha now takes over. While this may seem like an appointment made out of necessity, there’s no clarity on whether this new leadership will breathe life into the party’s efforts for the elderly.
Secretary for Policy: Harriet Ageno takes over from Simon Toolit. Given the policy shifts in recent years, one wonders if this change is just another attempt at keeping the political machinery running smoothly—without actually making any bold reforms.
Secretary for PWDs: Julius Maganda replaces Isabirye. After several leadership changes in this department, one might ask whether this new face will bring the attention the PWD community deserves, or if it’s just another name on a list.
Western Uganda Deputy President: The position, once held by Jolly Mugisha, is now in the hands of Jolly Jackline Tukamusbaba.
Meanwhile, the Buganda Deputy President role, vacated by the controversial Mathias Mpunga (who was also the leader of the opposition and later left the party), is now filled by Muwanga Kivumbi. The frequent shifts in these critical regional positions are beginning to suggest a lack of stability at the top.
In the end, while these new appointments might signal a fresh start, the repeated reshuffling of leadership within the party does little to inspire confidence.
The party’s ability to hold onto its values—and its leadership—remains to be seen. Voters will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if these changes result in real progress or if they’re just a short-term solution to deeper organizational issues.
