Dr. Margarete Nabagala Officially Joins NUP, Declares Bid for Kalungu Woman MP Seat
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has Wednesday officially welcomed Dr. Margarete Nabagala into its ranks during a ceremony held at the party headquarters in Kavule, Kampala.
A distinguished medical professional and former Regional Health Officer for Greater Masaka, Dr. Nabagala announced her intention to contest for the Kalungu District Woman Member of Parliament seat in the upcoming general elections.
In her address to party leaders and supporters, Dr. Nabagala was candid in her criticism of the current government, citing rampant corruption, systemic injustices, and poor service delivery as the principal motivations behind her decision to join the opposition and seek elective office.
“For years, I have watched with deep concern as the health sector deteriorates due to widespread corruption,” she said.
“Essential medicines intended for our hospitals are either misappropriated or never delivered. The system is fundamentally broken, and the responsibility lies squarely with the ruling NRM regime,” she added.
Dr. Nabagala, who has led public health coordination in the Greater Masaka region, stated that her extensive experience in the medical field has exposed her to the devastating consequences of mismanagement and political neglect.
“Our people are not dying due to lack of knowledge or skills, but because of a government that has continuously turned a blind eye to their suffering,” she emphasized.
She also condemned the government's treatment of opposition members, referring to the recently concluded Kawempe North by-election where NUP supporters were subjected to brutality by security forces.
“This regime no longer conceals its hostility toward the opposition. However, we must not be intimidated. I could no longer remain on the sidelines I felt compelled to join the struggle to liberate Uganda,” Dr. Nabagala declared.
Announcing her bid to unseat Hon. Aisha Ssekindi, the long-serving NRM legislator for Kalungu, Dr. Nabagala emphasized the need for transformative, people-centered leadership in the district.
“The people of Kalungu deserve better. The time for change is now, and I am prepared to lead that transformation,” she asserted.
She further encouraged fellow NUP members to actively pursue leadership roles at all levels, arguing that dismantling the NRM’s long-standing dominance requires a comprehensive grassroots approach.
“We must not focus solely on the presidency. Our objective should be to reclaim every elective position from LC1 to Parliament,” she said.
As part of her commitment to empowering the youth, Dr. Nabagala pledged to support aspiring medical professionals. She disclosed that she operates a private medical training institution in Mukono and will offer partial scholarships to students pursuing medical and related courses.
“Thirty students with a background in science will receive half bursaries to study medicine and allied disciplines. This initiative is my contribution toward nurturing a new generation of health workers committed to integrity and patriotism,” she explained.
With the political landscape in Kalungu heating up, Dr. Nabagala’s entry into the race is poised to significantly impact the district’s dynamics. Her medical expertise, grassroots experience, and reform-oriented agenda position her as a formidable contender ready to challenge the status quo.
