KAMPALA, UGANDA | The National Unity Platform (NUP) is facing renewed internal tensions over its 2026 flag bearers, with reports indicating that Chairman Fred Nyanzi’s chances of clinching the Kawempe South ticket have sharply declined.
Party Electoral Commission officials are said to have raised concerns that Nyanzi would likely face defeat in Kawempe South even with the backing of NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine. Residents reportedly argue that Nyanzi does not reside in the constituency, drawing parallels with outgoing MP Kazibwe Bashir, who faced backlash for relocating to Kira shortly after winning the seat in 2021.
According to sources, a recent closed-door meeting involving MPs Shamim Malende, Zahara Luyirika, Muwanga Kivumbi, and other party leaders—intended to resolve the Kampala Woman MP flag dispute—shifted focus to Kawempe South. Party officials advised Hon. Malende to consider contesting in Kawempe South instead of Kampala, citing her deep roots in the Kawempe ghettos and her Muslim background, which they argued would give her an edge with voters.
The proposal, however, reportedly left Malende visibly displeased. Sources say she rejected the suggestion outright and may consider contesting as an independent if denied the Kampala Woman MP flag. In contrast, Hon. Zahara Luyirika welcomed the idea of contesting for the Kampala seat, though party insiders admit she lacks strong grassroots support and faces suspicion from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who has previously accused her of being aligned with the state.
The developments have left NUP’s top brass divided, with warnings that any aspirant unwilling to step aside for another could be disqualified and replaced with alternative candidates.
Political observers note that the unexpected return of Hon. Malende—who many believed was too unwell to seek re-election—has further complicated NUP’s succession plans in Kampala.
