National Unity Platform (NUP) is taking stock of what its leaders describe as a difficult but defining chapter, following internal disputes sparked by the party’s flag bearer selection process.
More than five years after its emergence as a major force on Uganda’s political landscape, NUP has faced turbulence during internal vetting, with several aspirants openly accusing the party of running an unfair and opaque system. The complaints have reignited debate about internal democracy within the opposition party at a critical moment in the electoral cycle.
Despite controversies that emerged during earlier local government selections which had raised expectations of reforms the party largely maintained the same vetting approach for parliamentary candidates. The outcome produced mixed reactions across the country, with celebrations among successful candidates and frustration among those who failed to secure the party ticket.
Several high-profile parliamentary aspirants who lost out in the vetting process have since opted to contest as independents. While party leaders warn that such moves risk undermining unity, the affected candidates argue that standing independently was their only viable option after exhausting internal avenues for redress.
NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya has, however, dismissed claims that the party is facing a mass exodus.
“The number of people who chose to defy the party position is very small compared to the many members who respected the decisions of the vetting committee,” Rubongoya said. “Our structures remain strong and intact.”
As the 2026 polls draw nearer, NUP says it is awaiting guidance from the Electoral Commission regarding complaints from members who allege that their party flags were fraudulently taken by rival aspirants.
“We have raised these issues with the Electoral Commission and we await their decisions,” Rubongoya added.
For now, the party maintains that it remains united and focused on the broader electoral contest ahead. However, political analysts caution that the divisions arising from the disputed vetting process could linger and test NUP’s cohesion as campaigning intensifies nationwide.
