Stray Bullets at NUP? Lukwago's Wife Stuns Opposition Supporters.

In the wake of the abduction of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, opposition voices across Uganda spoke with one voice in condemning the lawlessness and impunity of Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Leaders from different political formations demanded Lukwago's immediate release, and in a rare show of solidarity, the National Unity Platform (NUP) joined Lukwago's People's Front for Freedom (PFF) at a joint press conference. But then came a surprising twist. When asked about her husband's situation, Lukwago's wife, Zawedde Lubwama, appeared to direct her frustration not at those accused of carrying out the abduction, but at the opposition itself. Her remarks left many observers puzzled. What exactly did she mean? Who was she referring to? And why was criticism being directed at those who had publicly condemned the abduction and called for Lukwago's release? The comments quickly sparked debate, particularly among supporters of Bobi Wine and NUP, many of whom questioned why they appeared to be receiving criticism despite standing in solidarity with Lukwago and his family. Some asked why individuals who had rarely participated in opposition campaigns against the government were now directing their anger toward fellow opposition actors rather than those they believe were responsible for the situation. Then, just a day later, Common Man's Party leader Mubarak Munyagwa launched a fresh attack on NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, further fueling tensions within opposition circles. To me, these developments reveal a deeper problem. While many opposition leaders speak about unity, moments like these expose the divisions that continue to undermine collective action. Instead of focusing their energy on confronting the challenges posed by those in power, some appear more interested in settling scores within the opposition itself. The result is a troubling question: Is the opposition truly ready for unity, or are some political actors more focused on fighting Bobi Wine and NUP than on building a united front for change? That is the question this commentary seeks to explore.