
NUP Set to Mediate Between Rival Kampala Woman MP Aspirants Malende and Zahara
Kampala, Uganda – Reports indicate that Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi is set to mediate talks between two rival National Unity Platform (NUP) aspirants for the Kampala Woman MP seat—incumbent Hon. Shamim Malende and challenger Hon. Zahara Luyirika—before the party’s electoral commission makes a final decision on the flag bearer.
Ground Findings Favor Malende, But Zahara Has Party Boss Backing
Sources reveal that current findings on the ground show Hon. Shamim Malende as the favorite among voters, particularly in Kampala’s ghettos, where she has reportedly teamed up with Hon. Allan Ssewanyana and his foot soldiers to mobilize support.
However, Hon. Zahara Luyirika, who enjoys the full backing of the NUP leadership, has reportedly struggled to gain similar grassroots traction. Despite this, sources say some voters, especially hawkers, have expressed willingness to support her if the party officially endorses her as its candidate.
Mediation Before Final Decision
In a bid to resolve the tensions, Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi is expected to mediate between the two camps before the NUP electoral commission announces its final decision. The outcome will determine who carries the party’s flag into the next election.
Zahara Rules Out Return to City Hall
Meanwhile, Hon. Zahara Luyirika has reportedly made it clear that she will not return to Kampala City Hall even if she fails to secure the NUP ticket, signaling her determination to either win the party’s nomination or exit the race entirely.
As the mediation talks proceed, all eyes remain on NUP’s next move, with the Kampala Woman MP race shaping up to be a key battleground ahead of the elections.
More details to follow as the situation develops.