By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
NATIONAL
The National Unity Platform (NUP) on Monday the 20th October 2025 officially unveiled Florence Asio as its new flag bearer for the Bukedea District Woman Member of Parliament seat.
This follows the removal of the previous candidate, Mercy Alupo, from the national voters’ register under circumstances the party describes as politically motivated.
According to Harriet Chemutai, Chairperson of the NUP Election Management Committee, the party was forced to take the decision after what she termed as continued frustration and sabotage from political actors in the district, notably the incumbent MP and Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among.
“The party’s original flag bearer, Mercy Alupo, faced relentless interference that made it impossible for her to proceed with her candidature. We had no choice but to front Florence Asio, a strong and capable leader who represents the will of the people of Bukedea,”said Chemutai
NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu accused the Electoral Commission of not only failing to protect the integrity of the electoral process but also of colluding with ruling party actors and public officials to undermine opposition candidates.
“How can Anita Among frustrate two of her contenders, manipulate the system, and still run as an independent candidate without any accountability?” asked Kyagulanyi.
Kyagulanyi called upon the Electoral Commission to explain its silence and apparent inaction in the face of electoral offences committed openly by public officials and civil servants.
He urged the people of Bukedea to rally behind Florence Asio, describing her as a candidate of integrity and a symbol of resistance against political suppression.
The developments come amid rising political tension in the district, where opposition candidates have repeatedly accused security agencies and local authorities of intimidation, arrest, and voter manipulation. NUP has called for an independent investigation into the deletion of Alupo from the voters’ register and the broader conduct of the Electoral Commission in the district.
