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NTINDA, UGANDA – In a demonstration of unwavering political resolve, Saudah Madada, a staunch supporter of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has officially been nominated as an independent candidate for the Kampala Central Lord Councillor seat after being denied the party’s ticket.
Madada arrived at the Electoral Commission offices in Ntinda on Wednesday to complete the nomination process, a move she says was directly fueled by the insistence of her constituents.
Speaking to reporters shortly after her nomination, Madada revealed that her decision to run was not made lightly. “My supporters and voters on the ground urged me not to give up. They encouraged me to contest as an independent because they believe in the cause we stand for,” she stated.
She further explained that the same voters played a crucial role in making her candidacy possible by actively helping her collect the required signatures from residents, a prerequisite for any independent candidate.
Despite now running outside the official party structure, Madada was quick to affirm her continued loyalty to NUP and its leadership. She made a clear distinction between her local race and the national picture.
“Let there be no confusion. I am still a devoted member of the National Unity Platform and a solid supporter of our presidential flag bearer, Robert Kyagulanyi,” she affirmed. “This independent bid is about representing the specific needs and voices of the people of Kampala Central who asked me to serve them. My support for the party’s national agenda remains steadfast.”
The incident highlights the internal challenges and difficult choices that can arise within political parties during the nomination process. Madada’s path forward will now involve campaigning against the official NUP candidate for the seat, setting up a unique dynamic where she will be competing for votes while simultaneously advocating for the same party at the presidential level.
Her campaign will be a test of whether local loyalty to a specific candidate can outweigh party allegiance in the upcoming elections.
