More than 40,000 Ugandans have so far picked forms to express interest in contesting various elective positions on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to NUP Secretary General David Lewis Lubongoya, the response has been overwhelming, despite ongoing intimidation and indiscriminate arrests of party supporters and prospective candidates by security agencies across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing held this afternoon at the party’s headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Lubongoya emphasized that the NUP leadership has set up a strong and experienced vetting team to carefully evaluate all applicants.
He said this is intended to avoid the mistakes of the 2021 elections, where several candidates who received party endorsement later caused friction within the party.
“We are ensuring a rigorous vetting process to field credible and committed candidates who uphold the values of the party,” Lubongoya stated. “We don’t want a repeat of past mistakes.”
He urged all aspirants to remain loyal to the party and discouraged them from running as independents if they fail to secure the NUP ticket.
“We advise all those who have expressed interest to respect the outcome of the vetting process. Running as an independent weakens the collective cause,” he added.
Among the prominent figures who picked nomination forms today are Zahrah Luyirika, the current Speaker of the Kampala Capital City Authority, who is seeking the NUP flag for Kampala Woman Member of Parliament; Gavine Kasirye Gwanga, son of the late General Kasirye Gwanga, who is vying for the Busujju parliamentary seat; and Emmanuel Magoola Matovu, who seeks to represent Busiro East.
Kasirye Gwanga said his focus will be on improving agriculture and education in Busujju if elected.
“My father’s legacy inspires me to serve. I will champion agricultural transformation and uplift education standards,” he said.
Magoola Matovu pledged to restore Busiro East’s lost glory and address critical issues affecting the constituency, including youth unemployment and human rights violations.
“We want to see Busiro East shine again. Our people deserve better representation, and I will fight for their rights and opportunities,” he declared.
The National Unity Platform continues to position itself as the main opposition force heading into the 2026 elections, even as its leaders and supporters face increased scrutiny and pressure from the state.
By Charles Katabalwa
5th June 2025
End
