Kampala, Uganda – The National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s leading opposition party, has released the official list of its parliamentary flag bearers for the 2026 general elections. The announcement follows weeks of intense internal vetting and negotiations, marking a critical step in the party’s preparations for what is expected to be one of the most competitive electoral contests in Uganda’s history.
The unveiling ceremony, presided over by NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, confirmed candidates for both Woman Representative and directly elected Member of Parliament seats across the central region. The districts covered include Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Masaka, Luweero, Kayunga, Kiboga, Rakai, Mityana, and several others.
Among the notable candidates are Shamim Malende for Kampala Woman MP, Joel Ssenyonyi for Nakawa West, Francis Zaake for Mityana Municipality, Betty Nambooze for Mukono Municipality, and Mathias Walukagga for Busiro East. The party has also elevated a number of female leaders including Shakira Namiiro Zinga for Kalungu Woman MP, Brenda Nabukenya for Luweero Woman MP, Nanyondo Veronica Namaganda for Bukomansimbi Woman MP, and Namutaawe Joan for Masaka Woman MP. In a rare gesture of cooperation across party lines, NUP has not fielded a candidate in Kiira Municipality, leaving the slot to Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda of PFF, a long-time opposition ally.
The new list has not come without surprises. Several high-profile incumbents have been left out, including Mityana Woman MP Joyce Bagala, Busiro East legislator Medard Lubega Sseggona, and Rubaga South MP Aloysius Mukasa. Bagala, a former journalist and once a prominent voice in the NUP caucus, has been replaced by Prossy Mukisa. Analysts say her cautious stance during internal wrangles between Kyagulanyi and former party vice president Mathias Mpuuga may have weakened her standing in the party hierarchy. Bagala was known to maintain close ties with Mpuuga, often appearing at his events and declining to sign a censure motion against him earlier this year.
In Busiro East, Sseggona has been replaced by musician Paul Owor Walukagga, popularly known as “Lule Sizza Man.” The decision effectively ends Sseggona’s long tenure as the party’s preferred candidate for the constituency. Meanwhile, in Rubaga South, Nassolo Eugenia has taken over from Aloysius Mukasa. Party officials say these changes are the result of a fresh vetting exercise aimed at fronting candidates with stronger grassroots appeal ahead of 2026.
While unveiling the list, Kyagulanyi congratulated those who secured the party ticket but urged humility and solidarity among all members. “Leadership is not a do-or-die contest. To those who did not win, you are still valuable to this struggle. Let us walk together and support our flag bearers for the better future of our party and our country,” Kyagulanyi said. He emphasized that NUP’s campaign is not just about securing seats in Parliament but about consolidating the people-powered movement for national transformation. “We must remain disciplined, united, and focused if we are to achieve victory in 2026,” he added.
The announcement follows the recent launch of NUP’s national manifesto in Jinja under the theme “A New Uganda Now.” Election Management Committee chairperson Harriet Chemutai also appealed to those who missed out on the flag to rally behind the chosen candidates for the collective good of the party. With the parliamentary flag bearers now confirmed, NUP has signaled its readiness to hit the campaign trail in full force, setting the stage for a high-stakes election season.
