Former Common Man's Party presidential candidate Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga has called on President Museveni to rise above partisan interests and initiate broad national dialogue, arguing that Uganda faces mounting political tensions that require urgent and inclusive engagement.
Speaking on NBS Barometer on Tuesday, Munyagwa, popularly known as "Mugati gwa Butter," urged the President to "break free from the chains of the National Resistance Movement (NRM)" and listen more closely to the concerns of ordinary citizens.
"The truth is that Uganda needs dialogue. There are issues that must be discussed before the situation worsens," Munyagwa said.
His remarks come amid growing debate within opposition ranks following a meeting last week between President Museveni and a group of opposition legislators at State House Entebbe. The engagement has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising it as constructive while others have criticised it as poorly timed and inadequately consulted.
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While questioning the timing of the State House meeting, Munyagwa commended some of the opposition leaders who attended, including former Kawempe North MP Latif Ssebagala Ssengendo and Mawokota South MP Yusuf Nsibambi.
"I want to thank Hon. Latif Ssebagala and Yusuf Nsibambi for their honesty and for meeting President Museveni openly," he said, adding that transparent engagement should not automatically be viewed with suspicion.
However, he maintained that the circumstances under which the meeting was held raised legitimate concerns within the wider opposition.
"The timing of Hon. Latif Ssebagala and others' meeting with President Museveni at State House is questionable," he said.
Munyagwa further observed that the opposition is currently at one of its weakest points in nearly three decades, citing internal divisions and mistrust.
"The entire Opposition in Uganda is at its weakest point since 1996. We are extremely divided," he said, warning that fragmentation undermines the opposition's ability to articulate coherent national alternatives.
The State House meeting was led by Yusuf Nsibambi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and included several legislators from different parties, among them Okot Bitek (Kioga County, FDC), Moses Kabusu (Kyamuswa County, PFF), Roland Ndyomugyenyi (Rukiga County), Fred Kayondo (Mukono South, DP), Richard Lumu (Mityana South, DP) and Latif Ssebagala Ssengendo.
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In an earlier interview with NBS Television, Nsibambi said the talks focused on national stability, peace and reconciliation following a tense post-election period.
"The talks were about easing political tensions and promoting unity for development and stability," Nsibambi said.
He disclosed that the delegation raised concerns about political detainees and appealed to the President to consider pardoning individuals imprisoned over political activities. The MPs also called for an independent investigation into the continued detention of Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, the Buganda Deputy President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and MP for Butambala County.
Despite these explanations, Nsibambi's decision to meet the President without wider consultation triggered criticism from sections of the opposition, with some accusing him of acting unilaterally.
Responding to the backlash, Nsibambi defended his actions, saying he acted in his capacity as an elected representative.
"No one sent me. I am an elected MP, and I will engage with whoever I believe is necessary for the good of my constituents and the country," he said.
Munyagwa's intervention adds to the growing national conversation about the role of dialogue in Uganda's political future, as leaders across the divide weigh the balance between engagement and opposition strategy.
