Mityana District Woman Member of Parliament, Joyce Bagala, has expressed willingness to apologize but insists that the National Unity Platform (NUP) must clearly state what wrongdoing she is being accused of.
Bagala revealed she has not visited the NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule for over four months. While acknowledging that seeking forgiveness is a humane act, she challenged the rationale behind the party’s demand for an apology.
“What wrong have I committed? I have been doing my job diligently. I have no issues with my party. I am still on track,” Bagala said.
She further emphasized that she has never supported or voted for President Museveni, saying, “What I don’t understand is what crime I have committed.”
Bagala is among a group of NUP legislators labeled as ‘rebel’ MPs, who were issued a 30-day ultimatum to return to the party secretariat and resolve internal misunderstandings—or risk expulsion as the 2026 general elections approach.
Others in the group include Mathias Mpuuga (Nyendo-Mukungwe), Abed Bwanika (Kimananya-Kabonera), Bashir Kazibwe (Kawempe South), and Twaha Kagabo (Bukoto South). The party leadership accuses them of persistently defying official party positions.
During the interview, Bagala defended her loyalty to the party and cited her alignment on key issues, such as the alternative budget reading and opposition to the controversial Shs100 million cash handout to MPs.
Bagala previously worked closely with former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga before he was replaced by Joel Ssenyonyi in 2023. At the time, NUP also requested that Bagala step down from her role as Chairperson of the Government Assurances and Implementation Committee. She refused, and her removal was subsequently rejected by Speaker Anita Among.
The fallout marked the beginning of a rift between the party secretariat and a section of MPs, including Bagala and Mpuuga.
Despite the tensions, Bagala confirmed her intention to seek the NUP flag again in the next general election, affirming her readiness to defend her seat.
