As the 2026 general elections draw nearer, the National Unity Platform is taking stock of what party leaders describe as a difficult but defining period, marked by internal disputes over the selection of flag bearers.
More than five years since its emergence on Uganda’s political scene, NUP faced turbulence during its internal vetting process, with several aspirants accusing the party of running an unfair and opaque system.
Despite earlier controversies during local government selections raising expectations of reform, the party largely retained the same vetting approach for parliamentary candidates.
The outcome triggered mixed reactions across the country, with celebrations among those who secured the party ticket and frustration among those who failed.
Several high-profile parliamentary aspirants who did not obtain the NUP flag opted to contest as independents, a move party leaders say undermines unity but which the affected candidates argue was their only viable option.
NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya has dismissed claims that the party is experiencing a mass exodus.
“The number of people who chose to defy the party position is very small compared to the many members who respected the decisions of the vetting committee,” Rubongoya said. “Our structures remain strong and intact.”
The party has since stripped several members of their NUP status for contesting as independents. Among those affected is David Musiri Bwogi, a former aspirant for the Makindye West parliamentary seat, who is now running on the Democratic Front ticket.
Musiri insists he was unfairly treated during the vetting process.
“I have no personal problem with the party president, Robert Kyagulanyi,” Musiri said. “But some senior leaders deliberately sidelined me. The process was not as transparent as they claim.”
While NUP leadership argues that discipline is necessary to protect the party’s credibility, defectors maintain that their departure has weakened the party’s electoral prospects.
“The gaps left behind cannot be easily filled,” Musiri added. “You don’t just lose experienced leaders and expect business as usual.”
Rubongoya strongly disagrees with that assessment, insisting the party remains focused on the task ahead.
“NUP is bigger than individuals,” he said. “The party continues to function normally, and we are focused on winning in 2026.”
Political analyst John Paul Kasujja offers a different perspective, suggesting the fallout could ultimately benefit the party.
“What we are seeing is the exposure of what I would call ‘wolves’ who were hiding within the party,” Kasujja said. “The vetting process has helped identify weak links.”
He urged the party to use the moment to strengthen its internal systems.
“If the party rebuilds with strong leadership structures, it could emerge more resilient ahead of the elections,” Kasujja noted.
As the 2026 polls approach, NUP says it is still awaiting guidance from the Electoral Commission over complaints from members who allege their party flags were fraudulently taken by rival aspirants.
“We have raised these issues with the Electoral Commission and we await their decisions,” Rubongoya said.
For now, the party insists it remains united, even as critics warn that the divisions arising from the disputed vetting process may take time to heal.
