The National Unity Platform (NUP) has intensified its mobilisation efforts in Ntungamo District as it prepares to present five parliamentary candidates for nomination by the Electoral Commission this week, ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to NUP Registrar Deus Musiime, the party has completed all preparatory processes and is ready to mount a strong challenge against the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in a region long viewed as an NRM stronghold.
“We have done all that is necessary, selecting our flag bearers. In Ntungamo District, we have five candidates. Those who have our flag, we are sure they are going to make it. We have done the grassroots mobilization and we are only waiting for nomination,” Musiime said.
He explained that NUP’s approach extends beyond conventional campaigning to focus on voter education and community sensitisation, aimed at helping residents make informed political choices.
“We started with mobilization because people cannot start supporting unless they understand what they are supporting. We have a strategy of moving door to door, sensitizing our people. They are ready to welcome us. We are so much committed,” he added.
Musiime described Ntungamo District as an area grappling with inadequate essential services, arguing that electing new leaders could bring about meaningful change in local governance.
“Many people need change. When you look at Ntungamo, there is a lot that people should get in terms of essential services which are still lacking. If we change with our leaders, the services will be better,” he said.
The party, currently operating from a temporary office, plans to open permanent offices in Ntungamo soon — a move Musiime said demonstrates NUP’s long-term commitment to grassroots engagement and political presence in the area.
Observers note that NUP’s door-to-door mobilisation strategy could make the 2026 parliamentary race highly competitive, potentially reshaping the political landscape in southwestern Uganda.
However, the ruling NRM has reportedly adopted a similar strategy, intensifying its own grassroots outreach in response.