The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially dropped three of its top elected leaders in Busoga from the party ticket ahead of the 2026 general elections, sparking debate over whether the party is consolidating strength or sidelining experienced figures.
In the 2021 elections, NUP scored key victories in Busoga with Jinja City Woman MP Manjeri Kyebakuttika, Jinja City Mayor Peter Kasolo Okocha, and Iganga Municipality Mayor Bamu Lulenzi leading the party to success.
However, the NUP Electoral Management Committee has now replaced all three incumbents with new entrants.
In Jinja City, Woman MP Manjeri Kyebakuttika has been dropped in favour of Sarah Lwansasula, who will represent the party in 2026.
Attempts to reach Kyebakuttika for comment were unsuccessful, but her political assistant Saul Nsongambi said consultations on next steps are ongoing.
“We are in a meeting but we shall address the media later in the day,” Nsongambi noted.
The shake-up comes weeks after Jinja City Mayor Peter Kasolo Okocha was replaced by Mubarak Kirunda for the mayoral race.
Speaking after being nominated as an independent, Kasolo questioned the decision.
“NUP fielded candidates across the region, but I am among the few who delivered victory for the party. I wonder why that wouldn’t count toward retaining my ticket,” he said.
In Iganga Municipality, Mayor Bamu Lulenzi, who had intended to contest for Member of Parliament, was overlooked.
The ticket was instead given to lawyer Abed Nasser Mudiobole, a recent defector from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
Lulenzi, visibly disappointed, told reporters he would release a detailed statement next week.
“I expect to address the issue either on Sunday or Monday next week. I am wondering whether the party is building and breaking leaders at the same time,” he said.
The developments follow the fallout of former Party Coordinator in Eastern Uganda, Moses Bigirwa, who left NUP after conflicts with the Kavule team and was later appointed Secretary General in Munyagwa's Common Man's Party.
Analysts suggest the reshuffle reflects NUP’s aim to broaden its appeal with fresh faces, but critics warn it risks alienating loyal incumbents who were instrumental in earlier victories.
As the 2026 elections approach, attention now turns to whether the dropped leaders will remain in NUP or pursue new political paths.