By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
NATIONAL
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has kicked off the vetting of aspiring Members of Parliament,at the party’s headquarters in Makerere-Kavule.
Aspirants from Wakiso, West Nile, and Kigezi were the first to appear before the party’s Electoral Management Committee on Monday, 15th September, 2025.
The vetting exercise marks a crucial stage as Uganda’s political parties prepare for the 2026 general elections, where candidates will contest seats ranging from village councils to the presidency.
Committee chairperson Harriet Chemutai said the assessment would weigh vetting performance at 40 per cent and grassroots support at 60 per cent.
“We want a fair process that upholds discipline and issue-based campaigns, not slander so the candidates should avoid intimidation.” Said Chemutai
The first session drew aspirants from Wakiso District, including incumbent Woman MP Betty Ethel Naluyima, who said her service record gave her confidence in seeking re-election.
Later, general seat aspirants followed, among them Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Sseggona and challenger Emmanuel Magoola Matovu.Matovu welcomed pledged to focus on poverty alleviation.
Human rights lawyer George Musisi, vying for the Kira Municipality seat, also expressed confidence in the process, pledging support for whichever candidate the party selects.
In West Nile, aspirants including Avuga Maurice (Maracha) and Kopik Stephen (Koboko) vowed to unseat ruling NRM incumbents, accusing them of neglect and poor service delivery.
The vetting will run daily until Saturday, covering regions in phases: Kampala City, Acholi, and Ankole on Tuesday; Greater Masaka, Lango, and Toro on Wednesday; and Greater Mpigi, Karamoja, and Bunyoro on Thursday.
According to the Electoral Commission roadmap, final nomination of parliamentary candidates is set for October 15–16 2025.
