The National Unity Platform (NUP) has withdrawn party flags from nine parliamentary aspirants previously selected as official candidates, replacing them with new nominees ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to the party, the decision followed petitions challenging the initial selection process.
Out of 82 petitions lodged by dissatisfied members, nine were upheld after review by the party’s vetting committee.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya confirmed that the changes affected four constituencies in Central Uganda and five in Eastern Uganda.
“Of the 82 people who appealed, only nine petitions had merit. After re-evaluating the process, the party decided to make a few adjustments to ensure fairness and transparency,” Rubongoya said.
The final list of NUP flag bearers, posted on the party’s social media platforms, revealed several notable changes:
Central Uganda:
- Bukoto Central: Jamiru Kivumbi replaced by Alex Ntamu
- Bukomansimbi North: Dr Christine Ndiwalana regained the flag from Christopher Nsereko Kayongo Engagga
- Rakai Buyamba: Abel Atwiine dropped for Desire Osborne Kayima
- Mityana South: Freddie Grace Kintu replaced with Kevin Nalwoga
Eastern Uganda:
- Bunyole West: Moses Lyada replaced with Peter Kaita
- Budiope West: Anthony Kolobe replaced with Dominic Wakabi
- Kigulu North: Muhammad Ntambi replaced with Julius Maganda
- Kabweri County: Richard Mbayo replaced with Robert Kanyere
- Bukooli Island: Joram Ochieno replaced with Dickson Ouma Oundo
NUP also dropped Hanifa Nabukeera Hussein, the incumbent Mukono Woman MP, in favour of Draville Sheilah Amaniyo, while Teddy Nambooze retained her flag for Mpigi Woman MP.
Discontent Among Dropped Aspirants
Several aspirants whose petitions were unsuccessful criticized the party’s internal process as unfair and politically motivated.
Makindye West aspirant David Musiri vowed to run independently. “We shall not withdraw from the race. The people will be the final judges,” he said.
Similarly, Makindye East aspirant Robert Ssekidde claimed the review process favored certain individuals.
“Our concerns were ignored. The process lacked transparency, and it’s clear some candidates were favored,” he argued.
Both have indicated plans to contest as independents, potentially splitting NUP’s voter base in Kampala.
Rubongoya insisted the vetting and appeals process was conducted fairly. “Every complaint was reviewed thoroughly, and the final decision was made in the best interest of the party and the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Makindye East NUP flagbearer Ali Kasirye Mulyannyama, who retained his ticket, defended the outcome.
“People can say what they want, but the process was open and competitive. I earned the flag through my track record and public trust,” he noted.
As the nomination period for parliamentary candidates approaches, analysts say the reshuffle could either strengthen NUP’s credibility or expose deeper divisions within Uganda’s largest opposition party.