The National Unity Platform (NUP) this week launched its vetting process for parliamentary candidates amid anxiety and uncertainity from the hundreds of candidates whose political life depends on winning the party flag.
The exercise drew aspirants from Busiro East, Busiro South, Busiro North, Kyadondo East, Makindye Sabagabo, and the Woman MP position for Wakiso District. Bbeg Media interviewed several candidates at NUP headquarters in Kavule, Kampala.
Busiro South candidates
Matia Lwanga Bwanika, the outgoing Wakiso district chairman vying for Busiro South MP, praised NUP’s verification process for aspirants and criticized past bans on political parties that stifled democratic organization.
“I am here to secure the 40% party nomination and am confident my work will earn the remaining 60% to defeat all rivals,” Bwanika said. With more than 15 years of local government experience, he believes his connections and visionary leadership will help him outshine the incumbent, Charles Matovu, and other contenders.
Francis Jemba, a lawyer vying for the same seat, emphasized his exposure and debating skills to address gaps in leadership. He promised to lobby for ambulances, improve access to medical care, defend human rights, and tackle land grabbing, a major issue in Wakiso District.
Busiro East candidates
Mathias Walukagga Mulumba, outgoing mayor of Kyengera Town Council, is contesting against Medard Ssegonna Lubega in Busiro East.
Walukagga urged supporters to back his bid, citing his involvement in the struggle against dictatorship since the Kyadondo East by-elections.
“I will respect the party’s decision and won’t run as an independent if I don’t secure the nomination. At 47, I have time and will support the party’s candidate,” he said amid cheers from supporters.
Emmanuel Magoola, also contesting for Busiro East, claimed superior credentials for effective service delivery. He criticized Ssegonna for selfish leadership amid widespread poverty. Magoola pledged to provide bursaries for education and implement poverty alleviation projects.
Walukagga, a musician, vowed to advocate for reforms in service delivery to uplift Busiro East’s neglected communities.
Kyadondo East candidates
In Kyadondo East, incumbent MP Muwadda Nkunyingi faces competition from Dr. Ali Moses, Tom Muwonge, and Patience Nantenge. Dr. Ali Moses, a medical doctor and consultant physician from Kitegomba in Kasangati Town Council, criticized the area’s lack of representation over the past five years, accusing leaders of engaging in unnecessary conflicts.
He highlighted the Kiteezi landfill disaster, alleging unaddressed casualties, and urged residents to support his bid to advocate for youth employment, healthcare, peace, and better service delivery.
Tom Muwonge, outgoing Kasangati Town Council mayor and veteran footballer, emphasized his local government experience, positioning himself as the strongest candidate. “I’ve risen from district councillor to mayor, and now I want to represent you in parliament to address service delivery issues,” he said.
Muwonge accused Nkunyingi of failing to advocate for youth, elderly, and women’s development, talent, and accountability in the national assembly.
In Kira Municipality, George Musisi and Patrick Katuramu, are contesting to unseat incumbent PFF’s Ibrahim Ssemujju. Musisi, a party lawyer, highlighted his professionalism and fresh ideas to tackle human rights abuses, youth unemployment, poor roads, slums, inadequate school facilities, and limited healthcare access in areas like Kasokoso, Koboko, and Nakwero. He stressed that the time for action has come.
In Makindye Sabagabo, David Serukenya, the incumbent was vetted. In Nansana Municipality journalist Bulasio Zambaali Mukasa faces stiff competition Ibrahim Mayanja (Bigeye), and lawyer Amos Kuuku to replace outgoing MP Wakayima Musoke, who is not seeking re-election.
In the West Nile subregion, nominees include Isaac Ayikoba (Ayivu East), Jackson Obindu (Arua Central), Vuni Vito (Arua City), Dr. Maurice Avaga (Maracha East), Arish Amin Kanuu (Lower Madi Okollo), Chandiga Qaddafi (Aringa County, Yumbe District), Emmanuel Rwothongeko (Jonam Constituency, Pakwach District), and Felix Amati (Terego West, Terego District).
