The National Unity Platform (NUP) has withdrawn its party flags from nine parliamentary aspirants who had earlier been confirmed as official candidates, replacing them with new nominees ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to NUP officials, the move followed a series of petitions challenging the initial selection process. Out of 82 petitions submitted by dissatisfied members, nine were upheld after a comprehensive review by the party’s vetting committee.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya confirmed the changes, noting that the affected constituencies include four in Central Uganda and five in Eastern Uganda.
“Of the 82 people who appealed, only nine petitions had merit. After re-evaluating the process, the party decided to make a few adjustments to ensure fairness and transparency,” Rubongoya stated.
🔹 Updated List of NUP Flagbearers
Central Uganda
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Bukoto Central: Jamiru Kivumbi ➜ Alex Ntamu
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Bukomansimbi North: Christopher Nsereko Kayongo Engagga ➜ Dr Christine Ndiwalana
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Rakai Buyamba: Abel Atwiine ➜ Desire Osborne Kayima
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Mityana South: Freddie Grace Kintu ➜ Kevin Nalwoga
Eastern Uganda
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Bunyole West: Moses Lyada ➜ Peter Kaita
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Budiope West: Anthony Kolobe ➜ Dominic Wakabi
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Kigulu North: Muhammad Ntambi ➜ Julius Maganda
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Kabweri County: Richard Mbayo ➜ Robert Kanyere
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Bukooli Island: Joram Ochieno ➜ Dickson Ouma Oundo
Additionally, Hanifa Nabukeera Hussein, the incumbent Mukono Woman MP, lost her flag to Draville Sheilah Amaniyo, while Teddy Nambooze retained her position as the Mpigi Woman MP flagbearer.
⚠️ Discontent Among Dropped Aspirants
The reshuffle has triggered discontent among several aspirants who lost their flags, with some accusing the party of bias and lack of transparency.
Makindye West hopeful David Musiri vowed to run as an independent, saying:
“We shall not withdraw from the race. The people will be the final judges.”
Similarly, Makindye East aspirant Robert Ssekidde claimed the appeals process was manipulated to favour certain individuals.
“Our concerns were ignored. The process lacked transparency, and it’s clear some candidates were favored,” he argued.
Both Musiri and Ssekidde have hinted at running independently — a move that could potentially divide the NUP vote in parts of Kampala.
🗣️ Party Defends the Process
However, Rubongoya defended the internal review, emphasizing that all decisions were made objectively.
“Every complaint was reviewed thoroughly, and the final decision was made in the best interest of the party and the people,” he said.
Makindye East flagbearer Ali Kasirye Mulyannyama, who retained his ticket, also weighed in, saying:
“People can say what they want, but the process was open and competitive. I earned the flag through my track record and public trust.”
📊 Analysts Weigh In
Political observers say the latest shake-up could have mixed outcomes for the opposition party.
While some believe it enhances accountability and internal discipline, others warn it may widen internal divisions and push disgruntled members toward independent candidacies.
As the nomination period for parliamentary candidates draws closer, all eyes are on how NUP manages the fallout from this decision — and whether it can maintain unity heading into the 2026 elections.
