Yusuf Jr Kiruluuta Nkeretanyi
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Kalungu East MP-elect Yusuf Jr Kiruluuta Nkeretanyi who was elected on the National Unity Platform (NUP) card, has ignited public debate after declaring that his ability to fully deliver on promises made to voters depends on a change in Uganda’s national leadership.
Speaking during an interview on a Kampala-based TV station on Wednesday, Nkeretanyi suggested that active participation in Parliament alone may not be enough to bring meaningful change to his constituents under the current administration.
He noted that while he holds the mandate of the people of Kalungu East, the political environment in the country limits how effectively he can serve them.
He argued that government institutions often shift blame onto Members of Parliament whenever citizens’ expectations are not met, yet many of the key challenges stem from decisions made by the executive.
NUP leadership
According to the MP-elect, the real fulfillment of his campaign pledges would come under what he described as a “new Uganda,” led by NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
He expressed confidence that a change in leadership would create room for genuine representation, allowing him to strongly advocate for the issues affecting the people of Kalungu East.
Nkeretanyi also used the platform to reflect on governance, saying that leadership requires more than simply hearing people speak.
He emphasized that true leadership is built on listening with the intention to understand and respond to citizens’ concerns, something he believes is currently lacking.
At the same time, he noted that while opposition voices play an important role in democracy, leaders must also be selective and strategic in how they challenge government decisions.
He cautioned against blanket opposition, saying some matters require cooperation while others demand firm resistance.
In the January 15, 2026 parliamentary elections, Nkeretanyi emerged victorious with 15,473 votes, defeating former Defence Minister Vincent Ssempijja, who garnered 13,219 votes.
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