By our Team
KAMPALA
THERE is alot of unrest and animosity following the dropping of some incumbent NUP leaders in favor of new ones across Buganda and Busoga.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) yesterday night released a tentative list of its parliamentary flagbearers for the 2026 elections, with many shifts in constituencies and a mix of incumbents and new faces getting party backing.
But this has not gone down with some NUP incumbent MPs and their supporters fueling last minute manouvers which may result in a number of NUP independents or cross overs.
Some voters feel the new faces may not deliver to the expectations saying the party looked more on personal royalty to NUP president and bosses as opposed to the party it’s self.
In Kampala for example Woman MP Shamim Malende has retained the ticket after edging out stiff competition from KCCA Speaker Zahara Luyirika.
who wanted to edge her out.
In rare move of things, NUP relocated Zahra Luyirika to Replace Ssewanyana in Makindye West .
The move left Hon Allan Ssewanyana the incumbent in Makindye West gapping and was by yesterday consulting his constituents for a possible new move.
“I have suffered too much for NUP and my voters as everyone is aware. I never expected such treatment moreover on some one like Luyirika who never expressed any prior interest in Makindye West.” He said as he promised to announce plan B.
In Busiro East, the incumbent and we’ll performing law maker, Hon Merdard Lubega Ssegona was dropped in favor of Kadongokamu singer and Nsangi TownCouncil mayor Mathias Walukagga.
But some voters in the constituency were doubtful if Walukagga would perform any better in parliament given his low education and inexperience.
” Walukagga cannot handle any matter at the floor of parliament and I can’t be proud of him for my constituency which has had a history of eloquent MPs” regretted a voter.
But those for Walukagga said he had a prowess in mobilizations and was royal and closer to bosses in NUP.
Medard Ssegona told Media that he was not surprised by NUP’s choice of Walukagga saying he saw it coming but was set to announce his next move after consultations with his voters.
Mityana woman MP Hon Joyce Baagala who was also dropped said she would announce her winning plan B too.
I’m other choices,
Fred ‘Chairman’ Nyanzi, the former NUP national mobiliser and elder brother of party leader Robert Kyagulanyi was confirmed for Kawempe South flag after party dumped journalist Kazibwe Bashir.
In Masaka City, Juliet Nakabuye lost the Woman MP slot to Joan Namutaawe, while Gyavira Ssebina Lubowa was selected for Nyendo Mukungwe to replace former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga.
Patrick Kuteesa was handed the Kimanya Kabonera ticket, to oust former party strongman Dr Abed Bwanika.
Veronica Nanyondo retained the Bukomansimbi Woman MP ticket despite past clashes with the party over the censure of Mpuuga.
In Wakiso, former NBS Amasengejje anchor Zambali Bulasio Mukasa will contest for Nansana Municipality, while party lawyer George Musisi was confirmed for Kira Mini to face off with DFFs Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda .
The list also highlights strongholds in the central region, with candidates like Shakira Namiiro Zinga (Kalungu Woman MP), Grace Nalubega (Rakai Woman MP), and Hope Ferister Nannyazi (Mubende Woman MP) confirmed as flagbearers.
Gyavira Ssebina Lubowa was confirmed to replace former LOP, Mathias Mpuuga in Nyendo _Mukungwe.
Mukono municipality slot where Hon Betty Nambooze is a chief contender ,her fate was inknown. She faces competition.
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