Former parliamentary candidates from across Uganda’s political divide have united under a new platform aimed at keeping them engaged in public service despite losing in the recent elections.
The Former Parliamentary Candidates Forum brings together candidates who contested on tickets of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Democratic Party (DP) and independents.
The forum was launched in the presence of Minister of Water and Environment and NRM Central Executive Committee member, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, who said losing an election should not mark the end of one’s contribution to society.
Chairperson of the forum, Boniface Tugume, said many former candidates often face neglect and discrimination from their political parties after losing elections.
He appealed to NRM chairman and President Museveni to consider supporting former candidates and creating opportunities for them to continue serving their communities.
“We may have lost elections, but we have not lost our ability to serve. We still have the experience, the networks and the passion to contribute to the development of our communities,” Tugume said.
He also urged former candidates to cooperate with those who won elections, regardless of political affiliation, arguing that public service should continue beyond campaigns.
“The elections are over. We must now put politics aside and work together. The people who won are also leaders of our communities, and we should support them where necessary,” he said.
Otafiire said the initiative was established to unite former contestants and give them a platform to continue contributing to national development.
The minister said his role as a public servant requires him to engage with Ugandans regardless of their political backgrounds.
“I have a duty to listen to all people, whether they belong to NRM, NUP, FDC, DP or any other political group. Losing an election does not mean that one has lost the ability to serve,” Otafiire said.
He said the forum would provide former candidates with a collective voice to present their concerns to the ruling party and other relevant authorities.
“We must unite and speak with one voice. When people are united, their concerns can be heard and addressed more effectively,” he said.
Otafiire also encouraged former candidates to work with elected leaders, saying development requires cooperation beyond political differences.
As part of efforts to strengthen the group, Otafiire contributed to the candidates’ SACCO, which was established to help members mobilise resources, access financial support and continue pursuing community initiatives.
The forum attracted former candidates including Dr Grace Ninsiima, who contested for the Woman Member of Parliament seat in Kitagwenda District, and Counsel Nicholas Ndyakira, a former candidate for Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality.
The former candidates said the platform would enable them to remain active in public service while providing a structure through which they can continue supporting their communities outside elected positions.
