The National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership in Masaka sub-region has called for party unity ahead of the 2026 general elections, urging supporters to rally behind officially endorsed candidates and reject internal divisions.
Speaking during a mobilization meeting at the NUP offices in Kyanamukaka, Habib Buwembo, the party’s head of mobilization in Masaka, emphasized the importance of supporting vetted candidates as a strategy to consolidate NUP’s influence in Buddu and Greater Masaka.
“Let us stand firmly behind those trusted by the party to carry its flag. That’s how we build unity and prepare for victory,” Buwembo told members while unveiling a new portrait of NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine).
The meeting brought together party leaders, mobilizers, and aspiring candidates to map out strategies for grassroots engagement and issue-based campaigns in the region.
Kalungu West MP Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu cautioned members who are considering standing as independents after failing to secure party tickets, saying such moves risk fracturing the party’s support base and benefiting rival political formations.
“When you stand as an independent, you divide our support and open the door for our opponents,” Ssewungu said.
His remarks come amid reports that several NUP members across Greater Masaka have picked nomination forms to contest as independents following disagreements over the recent party vetting process.
Focus on Local Issues
Jamir Kivumbi, NUP’s Bukoto Central flag bearer and host of the meeting, said the party’s regional focus will be on addressing key challenges affecting constituents, including poor infrastructure, healthcare gaps, and rampant land grabbing.
“We must put aside personal differences and work for the people of Bukoto Central and for the unity of our party,” Kivumbi said, urging unsuccessful aspirants to support the broader NUP agenda.
The mobilization drive is part of NUP’s broader effort to solidify its grassroots support in Buganda, where the party performed strongly in the 2021 general elections.