KAMPALA — The National Unity Platform (NUP) has defended its dramatic shake-up of parliamentary flag bearers ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, insisting that grassroots support mattered more than academic degrees or years of political experience.
Speaking Tuesday, John Mary Ssebuwufu, a member of the party’s Elections Management Committee, said the selection criteria heavily favored aspirants with a proven connection to the people.
“Ground support accounts for 60 percent of the assessment for anyone seeking the NUP flag,” Ssebuwufu explained.
“The technical aspect — including education and political experience — makes up 40 percent. You may excel academically, but if you are not strong on the ground, it is difficult to secure the ticket.”
Big Names Dropped, New Faces Rise
The release of NUP’s official flag bearers list for 2026 sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political circles. Several senior and well-educated incumbents were denied the ticket, sparking heated debate over the direction of the party.
One of the most talked-about exclusions is Busiro East, where seasoned lawyer and incumbent MP Medard Sseggona was dropped in favor of kadongo kamu singer Mathias Walukaga. The move stunned observers, many of whom saw Sseggona as one of NUP’s strongest voices in Parliament.
Other constituencies also saw surprise changes, with incumbents replaced by relatively unknown aspirants who scored higher on grassroots mobilization.
Popularity vs. Experience
The reshuffle has sparked controversy among analysts and supporters, with critics warning that the opposition party risks undermining competence in favor of crowd appeal.
Political commentators have asked whether a wave of celebrity and populist candidates will strengthen NUP’s grassroots machinery — or weaken its performance in Parliament.
Still, Ssebuwufu dismissed claims that the process was biased or unfair, saying incumbents should not see themselves as entitled.
“If you have been in Parliament on the NUP ticket, you should appreciate the opportunity you were given to serve,” he said.
“Holding the NUP flag is not a matter of life and death.”
A Balancing Act Ahead of 2026
The party’s bold selection reflects its larger strategy: build a slate of candidates who can not only contest seats in Parliament but also mobilize Uganda’s vast base of disaffected voters ahead of a high-stakes 2026 election showdown with the ruling NRM.
Analysts say the decisions highlight a tension within NUP — between rewarding loyalty, elevating popular figures, and maintaining institutional competence.
For now, the party leadership insists its choices are grounded in a single principle: winning the people’s trust where it matters most — on the ground.
✨ Bottom Line: By sidelining some of its most experienced MPs in favor of grassroots-heavy candidates, NUP is betting that popularity and local loyalty will matter more than technical expertise in 2026. Whether that gamble pays off could determine the party’s political future.
