The National Unity Platform (NUP) has commenced the vetting of parliamentary flag bearer aspirants at the party offices in Kavule, covering Wakiso, Kigezi, and West Nile regions on the first day of the exercise.
Notable aspirants include Medard Sseggona, the incumbent for Busiro East, and challenger Mathias Walukaga, Emmanuel Magoola Matovu, aspiring for the Busiro East MP seat, while other candidates include Kyadondo East MP Muwadda Nkuyingi, Wakiso Woman MP Betty Naluyima, journalist Zambali seeking Nansana Municipality, and David Sserukenya for Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality.
The vetting schedule is as follows: Kampala City, Acholi, and Ankole on September 16, Greater Masaka, Lango, and Tooro on September 17, Greater Mpigi, Karamoja, and Bunyoro on September 18, Greater Mukono, Sebei, Teso, and Rwenzori on September 19, Greater Mubende, Bugisu, and Bukedi on September 20, and concluding with Greater Luwero and Busoga on September 21.
In Kampala, all eyes are on Shamim Malende , the incumbent woman MP for Kampala and Zahara Luyikira the Speaker of KCCA council. David Lewis Rubongoya ,the NUP Secretary General has declared his candidacy for the Kampala Central parliamentary seat and remains unopposed in the party. He aims to address issues such as double taxation, inadequate representation, and the challenges faced by traders and boda boda riders in Kampala.
Derrick Nyeko currently serving as the Member of Parliament for Makindye East, Nyeko has been active in the NUP’s shadow cabinet, holding positions such as Shadow Minister for Presidency and Security, and later, Shadow Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, however, he recently announced that he will not return on the NUP party ticket. Rumours in corridors suggest Tuff B a former media personality may scoop the ticket.
In Mityana, Joyce Bagala Incumbent Woman MP, Mityana District (NUP) who won in 2021 under NUP said she will seek re-election on the NUP ticket for 2026, despite some tensions with the party.
Prossy Mukisa (also known as Nabbosa) Aspirant for Mityana Woman MP (NUP) is one of the alleged challengers from within the party. She was arrested/remanded over alleged offensive communication related to political slogans. Similarly, Nalweyiso Catherine aspirant, current Speaker of Mityana District Council (NUP) is also reportedly contesting for the Woman MP seat.
In Luwero, the biggest focus is also on the Woman MP race. The incumbent Brenda Nabukenya (NUP) is reportedly being challenged by several NUP women including Agnes Kirabo, Ritah Kabengano, Phiona Nakawesi, Sumayah Namiiro, Miriam Nakiganda, Sarah Zainab, and Ramah Bisaso all declared for 2026.
In Nina Roz musician and political aspirant picked nomination forms from the NUP offices to contest for the Ssembabule Woman MP seat. Matthias Kintu, former Ssembabule RDC; he has expressed interest in contesting for the Kalungu East MP seat on the NUP ticket.
In Nyendo-Mukungwe Constituency, the race for the party flag is attracting Samuel Muyizzi, Alice Nannungi, and Gyaviira Lubowa Ssebina, all seeking to position themselves in the wake of Mathias Mpuuga’s strained ties with the party.
Masaka District Woman MP Joan Namutaawe has also declared her intention to defend her seat, this time as the official NUP flag bearer, after previously contesting as an Independent when she was denied the ticket,
Other notable aspirants include Kazibwe Magelan in Bukoto Central, and Kanyike Stephen Evans in Bukoto East, both of whom have already been listed among NUP’s official flag bearers in the Central region. Masaka City Woman MP Juliet Kakande Nakabuye is also expected to defend her seat under the party banner, with sources from Monitor and Nilepost News confirming her readiness for the 2026 race.
The vetting process allocates 40 percent to the EMC committee’s assessment and 60 percent to ground surveys, ensuring a balance between internal evaluation and grassroots feedback. Party president Robert Kyagulanyi has emphasized the need for integrity, transparency, and fairness, reiterating that the NUP does not engage with independent candidates, and that the exercise is intended to ensure a legitimate and equitable selection of parliamentary flag bearers.
