The National Unity Platform (NUP) has released a tentative list of its parliamentary flagbearers for the 2026 elections, with several notable shifts in constituencies and a mix of incumbents and new faces securing party backing.
In Kampala, Woman MP Shamim Malende has retained the ticket after edging out stiff competition from KCCA Speaker Zahara Luyirika.
However, in a twist, Luyirika has been moved to Makindye West, a constituency that has been led by Allan Ssewanyana.
Fred ‘Chairman’ Nyanzi, the former NUP national mobiliser and elder brother of party leader Robert Kyagulanyi, will carry the Kawempe South flag. He beat Roy Ssemboga to the ticket, stepping into a constituency previously represented by journalist-turned-politician Bashir Kazibwe.
In Masaka City, Juliet Nakabuye has lost the Woman MP slot to Joan Namutaawe, while Gyavira Ssebina Lubowa has been selected for Nyendo Mukungwe to replace former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga.
Patrick Kuteesa has been handed the Kimanya Kabonera ticket, setting up a contest against former party president Abed Bwanika.
Elsewhere, Veronica Nanyondo has retained the Bukomansimbi Woman MP ticket despite past clashes with the party over the censure of Mpuuga.
In Wakiso, former NBS Amasengejje anchor Zambali Bulasio Mukasa will contest for Nansana Municipality, while party lawyer George Musisi has been assigned the uphill task of challenging FDC’s Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda in Kira Municipality.
The list also highlights strongholds in the central region, with candidates like Shakira Namiiro Zinga (Kalungu Woman MP), Grace Nalubega (Rakai Woman MP), and Hope Ferister Nannyazi (Mubende Woman MP) confirmed as flagbearers.
Gyavira Ssebina Lubowa has been handed the thankless task of stepping into the shoes of Mathias Mpuuga in Nyendo Mukungwe as Patrick Kuteesa will be backed by the party to dislodge former party leader Abed Bwanika from Kimanya Kabonera.
Veronica Nanyando, who had altercation with the party during the attempt to censure Mpuuga, has retained the Bukomansimbi Woman MP ticket.
NUP described the list as provisional, noting that vetting is still ongoing in some areas and adjustments may be made before final nominations.
