Mawokota North Member of Parliament, Hillary Kiyaga, popularly known as Dr. Hilderman, has issued a public apology following the circulation of a viral video in which he appeared to criticize supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), sparking backlash from party loyalists.
In the footage, Hilderman described some NUP supporters, commonly referred to as foot soldiers, as “reckless” and accused them of undermining his contributions to the party. He further alleged that certain NUP leaders had discredited his efforts in advancing the party’s agenda.
The video quickly gained traction on social media, drawing sharp criticism from NUP supporters who felt betrayed by a politician they had helped elect under the party’s banner in the 2021 general elections.
Appearing on Sanyuka Television, the legislator clarified that the remarks were made during a closed-door meeting intended solely for his internal mobilization team. He expressed regret that the footage had been leaked and acknowledged that his tone may have been inappropriate.
“I’d like to apologise. I was emotional and may have acted in a way that wasn’t ideal. That meeting was meant for my internal team,” Hilderman stated. “It’s unfortunate that the content became public when it was meant to remain private.”
Despite the controversy, Hilderman maintained that his bond with NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, remains solid. He revealed that Bobi Wine had personally reached out to him following the video’s release, advising him to remain measured and persuasive in his communication.
“My relationship with Bobi is smooth. In fact, he was the first person to message me after the video surfaced,” he said. “He encouraged me to always be persuasive in my communication.”
The incident highlights ongoing tensions within political parties as they balance internal discussions with the expectations of a vigilant and passionate support base.
