By Weswa Ronnie
NATIONAL
The National Unity Platform (NUP) on Monday, 29th September 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.
Notably, Medard Ssegona has been denied the NUP card which instead goes to musician Mathias Walukaga.
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 PFF’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.
In Sironko Fauza Wandukwa woman Mp seat,Jafari Mudasiru Budadiri West,Twaha Kimanya Budadiri West. In Soroti Angella Abano for woman Mp seat, Titus Okayi for Dakabela county, Jacob Etetu Gweri county and Mashullam Elupe for Soroti county.
In Tororo Mary Aching,Tororo municipality Valatine Owor, Tororo North County Simon Peter Ochieng, Tororo South county Siff Ameni,West Budama county North Henry Ochieng, West Budama county South Samuel Oyuki.
West Budama North East county Felix Ochola and West Budama Central county Ronald Okoth.
In Serere Sandra Iculet Woman MP seat, Kasilo county Sam Enyutu, Pingire county Daniel Olinga and Serere county Alfred Epedu.
Nina Rose has been given the Woman MP flag bearer for Sembabule District, while you Hon Nassolo Eugenia goes for Lubaga South, Robert Muthoma has officially been declared the NUPflagbearer for the Kasese Municipality MP race.
Anyole Innocent was declared the NUP flag bearer for MP in Kagoma County, with Mwiru Paul declared to represent Jinja Southeast. Sarah Lwansasula named the NUP flag bearer for Jinja City Woman MP, and Nambi Miria declared to represent the party for Jinja District Woman MP.
Others are;
Amuria WMP, Aguro Florence
Amuria County, Ariong Moses
Orungo County, Esogu Nelson
Budaka WMP, Shopi Brenda Izabel
Budaka County, Baaya Charles
Ikii-Iki County, Nabucha Dauson
Bududa WMP, Reevaluate
Bushiagi County, Makuyi Charles
Lutshetshe County, Masika Robert
Manjiya County, John Baptist Nambeshe
Bugiri WMP, Namumbya Rebecca
Bugiri Municipality, Marcellino Egesa Mangeni
Bukooli County Central, Mukama Abubakari
Bukooli County North, Ayagalachi Jamal Mukuve
Bugweri WMP, Walukamba Mercy
Bugweri County, Kaziba Grace Budinyi
Bukedea WMP, Alupo Mercy Marion
Bukedea County, Emuk Benjamin
Kachumbala County, Ongelech Charles
Elgon County, Wabuna George Zanga
Busia WMP, Akello Phanice Mary
Busia Municipality, Wanyama Kennedy
Samia Bugwe North, Amam Vicent Egesa
Samia Bugwe South, Ochoka Egesa Fred
Samia Bugwe Central, Ouma Benard Wabwire
Butaleja WMP, Kiiza Sauya
Bunyole East, Wegulo Muhamood
Bunyole West, Lyada Moses
Butebo County, Mukomba Eric
NUP described the list as provisional, noting that vetting is still ongoing in some areas and adjustments may be made before final nominations.
