Masaka, Uganda – The National Unity Platform (NUP) has dropped lawyer and aspiring Member of Parliament, Counsel Muyizzi Kayaayu Sam, from a sensitive legal case involving three members of the presidential guard, citing concerns over his alleged use of the case to advance personal political ambitions.
The decision to remove Muyizzi follows internal discontent within the party, particularly among youth structures and legal strategists, who accused him of leveraging the court process to campaign for the Nyendo-Mukungwe parliamentary seat.
The case, involving NUP supporters Achileo Kivumbi, Gadaffi, and Smart, had garnered significant public interest as it touches on human rights concerns and the treatment of political activists by security forces.
Party insiders say the case was gradually shifting from a human rights defense to a political stage managed by Muyizzi to gain visibility in the Nyendo constituency.
His courtroom appearances were reportedly characterized by heavy media presence, prompting accusations of self-promotion rather than legal advocacy.
There were also growing concerns about his alleged name-dropping of party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
Muyizzi reportedly claimed that Kyagulanyi personally encouraged his bid for MP-a statement NUP has officially distanced itself from.
The party’s top brass expressed unease over what they saw as manipulation of internal dynamics and attempts to create the illusion of endorsement from the highest office within the movement.
In a strategic shift, the party has appointed a new legal team to handle the Masaka case.
Lead counsel duties have now been entrusted to George Musisi, a seasoned human rights lawyer, supported by Counsel Erias Nalukoola and Counsel Katana, who also serves as the party’s treasurer.
The move has been widely welcomed by grassroots party members and legal observers alike, many of whom believe the change restores the integrity and seriousness required in such politically sensitive litigation.
Shortly after the new legal team assumed responsibility, the Masaka Magistrate’s Court referred the matter to the High Court-a development seen as a significant step in securing bail for the accused.
The application is expected to be scheduled in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Muyizzi suffered a second blow after being excluded from another key NUP legal team defending Erias Lukwago in an election petition filed by NRM’s Faridah Nambi over the Kawempe North seat.
Once again, the party chose to rely on the trusted combination of Musisi and Katana, signaling a growing mistrust in Muyizzi’s approach.
The removal has sparked celebrations among NUP’s youth structures in Kampala and Masaka, many of whom had grown critical of what they termed as opportunistic behavior.
Activists accused Muyizzi of hijacking the “struggle” narrative for personal political mileage, turning court sessions into campaign events.
His campaign for Nyendo-Mukungwe is already facing stiff competition from long-serving NUP loyalist Lubowa Gyaviira Ssebina, who enjoys deeper grassroots support and a stronger rapport with the party base.
Political analysts say Muyizzi’s entry into elective politics has been marred by over-ambition and miscalculated strategies, raising questions about his long-term viability as a candidate.
Observers note that this saga could mark a defining moment for NUP’s internal discipline as the party seeks to balance the rise of new leaders with institutional credibility ahead of the 2026 general elections.
