NUP advises dropped aspirants not to contest as independents
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has advised political hopefuls who failed to win slots in its vetting and selection process not to contest in 2021 general election as independent candidates.
The NUP started a vetting process early last month to select flag bearers for the 2021 polls and by last week, the party had started releasing lists of successful candidates.
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Majority of the aggrieved candidates have since decided to continue as independents saying that they were unfairly dropped.
https://nilepost.co.ug/2020/10/01/i-do-not-believe-i-lost-nup-ticket-genuinely-to-ssenyonyi-i-will-go-independent-former-dp-spokesperson-kakande/
Speaking to journalists on Friday afternoon, NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi said that they would prefer to have dropped candidates rallying support for their selected counterparts.
Ssenyonyi said, "When they contest against our candidates, they will divide our votes and at times the NRM candidate might use this chance to win. We would not encourage this"
Ssenyonyi however noted that such candidates have their constitutional right to continue as independents and that to NUP, although undesirable, will not stop them.
"Some of them have their ambitions and of course we will not try to stop them. It's their right," Ssenyonyi added.
Notably among the defeated NUP candidates that have since decided to continue as independents include musician Joseph Mayanja, who lost the battle for the NUP Kampala Lord Mayor ticket and went ahead to pick nomination forms at the Electoral Commission.
https://nilepost.co.ug/2020/10/01/chameleone-nominated-for-kampala-lord-mayor-says-he-wont-stop-supporting-bobi-wine/
Actor Patricko Mujjuka also vowed to continue as independent having lost to Ssimbwa Fred for Nakifuma County NUP flag.
Early on Friday, October 2, 2020 afternoon, NUP released results of successful candidates in previously referred constituencies where Moses Kasibante waa dropped in Rubaga North and Sajja Lya Beene in Makindye Ssabagabo.
It is not yet clear whether this will also continue as independents or follow Ssenyonyi's advice.
