The National Unity Platform (NUP) has suspended Kyambogo University Guild President Andama Emmanuel for six weeks after he attended a closed-door engagement organised by the State House Investors Protection Unit, a body under the Office of the President.
In a statement released on January 9, 2026, NUP’s Institutions Wing said the decision followed the circulation of photographs and a post published on the unit’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, which showed Andama among selected student leaders who participated in the meeting.
The opposition party said Andama, who was elected on the NUP ticket, breached party values by engaging with what it described as “a regime that undermines democratic freedoms, represses dissent, and perpetuates unaccountable rule.”
“Clear breach of party values”
NUP emphasised that its long-standing position bars members and leaders from participating in or legitimising platforms linked to President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, particularly closed-door engagements convened by State House organs.
“As a recognised member of our party and a leader elected under the NUP banner, Comrade Andama Emmanuel carries a political and moral responsibility to uphold the party’s values and strategic positions at all times,” the statement reads.
The party argued that his attendance projected “unreliability” and risked sending “confusing or contradictory signals” to students and youth who look to NUP for principled leadership.
Context of leadership under scrutiny
The party further noted that Andama assumed office following a by-election that resulted from the controversial removal of former Guild President Akiso Benjamin, now Head of Institutions at NUP. According to the statement, this background placed an even higher obligation on Andama to demonstrate discipline, loyalty, and political clarity.
NUP also cited Andama’s reported dinner engagement with Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor Prof. Elly Katunguka as part of what it called a “disturbing pattern of fraternisation” with forces viewed as hostile to the party’s struggle.
Under the resolution announced by the Institutions Wing, Andama is barred from all NUP activities and engagements for six weeks with immediate effect. During this period, he is prohibited from speaking or acting on behalf of the party.
The party said investigations would be conducted during the suspension, after which a disciplinary hearing will be convened to allow Andama to respond to the allegations in line with principles of natural justice.
NUP also warned that any other student leaders found to have participated in similar engagements with State House or its agents would face comparable disciplinary action.
Call to students and youth
The party concluded by urging students and young people to remain focused on what it termed the “struggle for democratic change,” calling on them to mobilise and support NUP candidates in the forthcoming elections as a peaceful and constitutional form of protest.
“The National Unity Platform remains steadfast in its commitment to discipline, accountability, and people-centred leadership,” the statement said.
