Habib Buwembo, a prominent figure in the National Unity Platform (NUP), has  pulled out of the Rubaga South parliamentary race to fully commit to his newly appointed role as the party’s National Secretary for Mobilization.

Speaking during a press briefing held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Marie Fifi’s Gardens in Mutundwe, Rubaga South, Buwembo emphasized that his decision was made in the interest of national service.

“The task ahead is immense and of greater importance to many Ugandans and NUP supporters. It requires my full and undivided attention,” Buwembo stated.

According to him, stepping aside from the Rubaga South Member of Parliament race would allow him to concentrate on strengthening party structures and preparing NUP for the forthcoming elections.

Buwembo explained that his new role will involve direct community engagement across the country.

“This is a field-based responsibility. My mandate is to mobilize, organize, and act. I will be engaging citizens to register, become active members of NUP, and prepare the party for victory,” he said.

Buwembo pledged to harmonize and organize Rubaga South first his home constituency before extending efforts nationally, stating that unity at the grassroots would be key to national mobilization success.

The Rubaga South MP Aloysius Mukasa welcomed the development, describing Buwembo’s new position as a challenge and an opportunity for Rubaga South residents to lead by example in advancing the party’s national agenda.

“Having the party’s national mobilization secretary from Rubaga is not just an honor but a responsibility for all of us here to support him and help NUP succeed,” Mukasa said.

Comedian and political aspirant Lubega Obed, popularly known as Reign, who is also contesting for the Rubaga South seat, echoed similar sentiments.

“We in Rubaga South will be at the forefront of national mobilization. If Buwembo succeeds, then Rubaga will have succeeded too. We must start now by voting NUP at every level, from youth elections all the way to Parliament,” Lubega stated.

Buwembo was officially announced as NUP’s new National Secretary for Mobilization last week, succeeding Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu.

He expressed deep gratitude to Nyanzi, under whose mentorship he said he learned a great deal about effective political organizing.

His appointment comes at a critical moment as political parties across Uganda prepare for the 2026 general elections.