Nakawa Division Mayor Paul Mugambe has announced his intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2026 general elections, following his defeat by Nubian Li in the National Unity Platform (NUP) primary.
Mugambe expressed strong dissatisfaction with the NUP Electoral Management Committee’s (EMC) process, describing it as “sham, fraud, and shameless.”
He claims to have worked tirelessly for his constituents but feels unfairly treated in the party’s flag-bearing process.
The primary winner, Ali Bukeni, also known as Nubian Li, is a singer and close associate of NUP leader Bobi Wine, and was declared the party’s flag bearer for the Nakawa Division mayoral seat.
Mugambe alleges that the party favors friends of its president regardless of their qualifications or performance, fueling his decision to run independently.
In a related development, Robert Asimwe, chairperson of the People’s Front for Freedom, pledged to support Mugambe’s independent bid, despite having a candidate in the same race, citing the injustices Mugambe has faced.
By Olivia Nabaggala
2nd Sept 2025
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