**Kampala, Uganda – October 1, 2025** – The dust is still settling in Kampala after yesterday’s dramatic unveiling of the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) parliamentary flag bearers for the upcoming 2026 general elections. What was intended to be a triumphant moment for the opposition party quickly morphed into a day of intense scrutiny, internal friction, and widespread speculation about the future of the NUP’s electoral prospects.
The announcement, made on the evening of September 30th, sent ripples of shock and surprise through the Ugandan political landscape. While some candidates celebrated their hard-won victories, others, including several prominent figures, were left reeling from unexpected exclusions, raising serious questions about the party’s internal processes and its overall strategy.
The epicenter of the unfolding drama was the NUP headquarters, where party officials and supporters alike gathered, eager to learn the names of those who would carry the party’s banner into the pivotal 2026 polls. The expectation was palpable – a united front ready to challenge the long-standing dominance of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The unveiling of the confirmed candidates, however, quickly revealed a more complex and nuanced picture. The Kampala region, traditionally a NUP stronghold, saw a mix of expected wins and unexpected twists. David Lewis Rubongoya, the party’s Secretary-General, secured the flag for Kampala Central, solidifying his role as a key party leader. The Kampala Woman MP race, however, generated the most immediate controversy. Shamim Malende, after a fiercely contested battle, retained her ticket, edging out KCCA Speaker Zahara Luyirika. The decision, though, was not without its repercussions, as Luyirika, a popular figure, was then redeployed to run for Makindye West.
In Nakawa East, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro won the NUP nod, while Joel Ssenyonyi, a rising star in the party, confirmed his candidacy for Nakawa West. Abubaker Kawalya, Nassolo Eugenia, and Fred ‘Chairman’ Nyanzi also secured their places as flag bearers for the crucial constituencies of Lubaga North, Lubaga South, and Kawempe South, respectively.
The Makindye constituencies underwent significant changes. In Makindye East, Ali Kasirye Nganda Mulyannyama will replace Derrick Nyeko. The choice of Zahara Maala Luyirika for Makindye West, in place of Allan Ssewanyana, sent shockwaves through the political scene. David Sserukenya also emerged as the flag bearer for Makindye Ssabagabo.
The Wakiso district, another critical battleground, saw a similar mix of continuity and change. Naluyima Ethel will carry the NUP flag for Wakiso Woman MP. Muwada Nkunyingi retained his Kyadondo East seat, while Zambali Bulasio Mukasa and George Musisi secured the NUP tickets for Nansana Municipality and Kira Municipality, respectively. Matovu Charles and Ssemaganda Ronald will contest for Busiro South and Busiro North, rounding out the Wakiso slate.
Beyond Kampala and Wakiso, several key figures retained or secured their party flags. Betty Nambooze Bakireke will seek re-election in Mukono Municipality, while Zaake Francis Butebi will defend his Mityana Municipality seat. Shakira Namiiro Zinga (Kalungu Woman), Grace Nalubega (Rakai Woman), Hope Ferister Nannyazi (Mubende Woman), and Gyavira Ssebina Lubowa (Nyendo Mukungwe) will also run under the NUP banner. Patrick Kuteesa was chosen for Kimanya Kabonera.
But the story was not just about who won. It was about who lost, and the list of exclusions was long and filled with prominent names. Medard Ssegona, a seasoned politician and former Busiro East MP, was replaced by Mathias Walukagga. Allan Ssewanyana, a highly respected MP, was replaced by Zahara Maala Luyirika. This led to immediate speculation about the party’s rationale.
The list of those who missed out went on. Aloysius Mukasa failed to secure the Lubaga South ticket. Kazibwe Bashir, Tuff B, and Lubega Obeid Reign all failed in their bids. The exclusions included Francis Katabaazi (Kalungu East), Christine Ndiwalana (Bukomansimbi North), and Paul Nsubuga (Busiro North). Joyce Bagala of Mityana woman MP seat was replaced by Proscovia Mukisa (Nabbosa).
These decisions have sparked a furious debate within the NUP. Supporters of those excluded expressed their disappointment, questioning the fairness and transparency of the internal vetting process. Some alleged that the process had been manipulated to favor certain candidates. Others suggested that the party’s strategy was flawed, potentially alienating popular candidates and risking electoral success.
“We are heartbroken,” said one NUP supporter who asked to remain anonymous, “We supported the party, we voted for the party, and now our preferred candidates have been cast aside. We need to understand what criteria were used in this selection. How can we move forward with a party that seems to be ignoring the voices of its supporters?”
The NUP leadership has defended the vetting process, stating that it was conducted fairly and that the chosen candidates were selected based on their ability to win and represent the party’s values.
The ramifications of these exclusions are likely to be felt for months to come. The NUP is facing an immediate challenge of mending the divisions within its ranks. The party must act swiftly to reassure its supporters, address the concerns of the excluded candidates, and present a united front if it hopes to effectively challenge the NRM in the 2026 elections. The NUP’s ability to navigate this internal crisis will be a defining factor in its future. The events of September 30th, 2025, have undeniably reshaped the political landscape and have left the NUP at a critical juncture. The question now is whether the party can turn this crisis into an opportunity, or whether the internal divisions will weaken its ability to achieve its stated goals.
DAILY REPORT
