Mpuuga claimed last weekend that the top leadership of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) had become uncomfortable with his leadership potential including for the highest office in the land.

In an interview with Voice of America on Sunday, Mpuuga addressed a question of whether or not he was considering running for president, stating that he was ready to give it a shot once his supporters are aligned.

“This country is looking for leaders in the coming years. It could be 2026 or beyond. They (NUP) know that in the corridors of power, my name is surfacing; those discussing politics and national leadership have my name on the front pages. I am therefore not surprised that their fear is what I could become,” Mpuuga said.

“I assure you that I am capable of being a presidential candidate and even president. When I think that it is time for me to be part of that I will announce it. I am not a lone player, I prefer to make decisions after consultation.”

Meanwhile, Mpuuga challenged NUP President Bobi Wine to a national debate on the internal conflict that saw him removed as Leader of Opposition (LOP) last year.

During the debate, he said he would wish to press Bobi on his claims that he went to President Yoweri Museveni to beg for money.

“Where does Mr Museveni get the money he is dolling out to people? There is no such thing as going to Mr Museveni to get money,” he said

“Bobi Wine knows this very well and I challenge him to a national debate so that he can convince the public that I went to Mr Museveni and got money.”

Mpuuga fell out with the leading opposition party, which accused him of improperly allocating himself as a parliamentary commissioner, Shs 500 million as a “service award.”

The NUP attempted to have Mpuuga removed from the commission but was blocked by parliament.

Regarding this accusation, Mpuuga said the money was allocated to him legally and that if he was corrupt as accused, the NUP should have dragged him to courts of law.