By KT Reporter
Discontent has erupted among National Unity Platform (NUP) aspiring councilors from Rubaga South Division who failed to secure the party ticket ahead of the 2026 general elections. The group accuses the party’s vetting committee and top leadership of corruption and bias.
On Friday, the NUP Electoral Commission Committee, chaired by Harriet Chemutai, released the list of successfully vetted candidates who will hold the party flag at the local government level. Vetting for parliamentary positions, according to the party, will begin soon.
Unlike the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which selects its flag bearers through a competitive lining-up system, NUP opted for a rigorous vetting and assessment process. But the unsuccessful aspirants in Rubaga South allege that the process was compromised, with some successful candidates allegedly bribing their way through despite lacking grassroots support.
Addressing the media at Najanankumbi, Aden Musa Sebunya, who was eyeing the Councilor III seat in Najanankumbi Parish, claimed the assessment was biased. “I have support, and the officials who were sent here were informed that the person competing is not even voting from this place. Shockingly, my name did not appear on the list on Friday. This is not justice, but the will of people,” Sebunya lamented.
Zubeda Nakito, another aspiring councilor from Mutundwe Parish, also expressed disappointment, saying she was unfairly sidelined despite enjoying strong grassroots backing. She hinted at the possibility of running as an independent.
In Natete, Aisha Namutebi, who lost the Councilor III flag to Alimah Nabukalu, alleged that her competitor participated in the recent NRM primaries and her name appears in the NRM registers. She says this information was shared with the vetting committee but ignored.
Meanwhile, NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has urged aspirants who lost the flag not to feel betrayed or disrespected. He stressed that all aspirants were capable, but only one person could emerge as the flagbearer. According to the Electoral Commission roadmap, nominations for local government aspirants will take place next week, on September 3rd and 4th at the respective District or City Returning Offices.
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