They sat metres from each other and hardly exchanged any glances. They even did not shake hands.
The race for the National Unity Platform (NUP) party ticket for the Kampala Woman MP seat in the 2026 elections is heating up. As the party vetted the aspirants for the position, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Speaker, Zahra Luyirika, and the incumbent Kampala Woman MP, Shamim Malende did not appear to want to be in the same place.
Both women arrived at the headquarters dressed elegantly in traditional Buganda gomesi attire, complemented by hijabs. Malende stood out in a striking all-red ensemble, while Luyirika opted for a sophisticated dark blue and maroon combination. At times, the scene resembled a fashion parade, with supporters rallying behind their respective candidates.
However, there was no visible interaction between the two. For long periods, Malende was engrossed in her phone alongside her aide. Luyirika, sat quietly and appeared calm and composed.
When the time came for the vetting, Luyirika was the first to stand, clutching her folder of documents and walking gracefully, accompanied by a small group of supporters who ululated in encouragement.
Minutes later, Malende followed, flanked by a larger, vocal crowd chanting, “It’s the lawyer who understands Kampala’s issues and fights for our immediate release from custody!”
Malende later addressed the press as she made her way to the vetting room.
Before the vetting began, Bbeg Media spoke with Luyirika, who expressed confidence in the Election Management Committee’s process. “I trust the committee’s work, and I am confident it will lead to my victory,” she said.
Responding to allegations regarding the controversial lease of Nakivubo Channel to Ham Enterprises, Luyirika, the outgoing KCCA Speaker, dismissed the claims. She emphasised that her four-year tenure focused on developing Kampala and safeguarding KCCA properties.
Luyirika positioned herself as a leader with a deep understanding of the city’s challenges, including poor waste management, traffic congestion, street lighting, demarcation, job creation, and pollution control.
Malende, on the other hand, was resolute in her determination to retain her seat. “I am here for vetting to prove I am not a coward and remain capable of serving my people,” she declared.
She rallied her supporters to back her efforts in addressing human rights abuses, particularly for political prisoners, and improving service delivery, including access to healthcare, better school facilities, improved wages for public servants, and electoral reforms to prevent security forces from interfering in the 2026 elections, as occurred in 2021.
The vetting process also saw other aspirants from the Kampala region interviewed. In Lubaga North, Abubaker Kawalya urged supporters to maintain their protest vote against the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). In Lubaga South, Aloysious Mukasa and comedian Obedi Lubega (aka Reign Omusoyisoyi) were vetted.
Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, was vetted to retain his Nakawa West seat for a second term. In Makindye East, outgoing Makindye division Mayor Ali Mulyanyama, Hillary Nasasira, Aminsi Kaluba, and Calvin Bakulu Mpagi competed to replace Nyeko, who did not seek re-election.
Kawempe North saw Elias Nalukoola, Mathias Mulumba, and Kenneth Serukenya vetted, while Kawempe South included Stephen Sentongo, Dr Roy Semboga, and Faisal Ddamulira, replacing Bashir Kazibwe, who has not indicated whether or not he will seek re-election.
Nakawa East attracted Arnold Ashaba, Martin Lubega, Gerald Kayongo, and Viane Muwonge, with incumbent Ronald Balimwezo opting to run for Kampala Lord Mayor. Waiswa Mufumbiro, another expected aspirant, was absent due to his incarceration on political charges.
In Makindye West, incumbent MP Allan Sewanyana, Ntege Farouq Ssebaggala, Nabageye Kakande (aka Mama Chelsea), David Musisi, and Henry Ndugwa Sserunjogi were vetted.
The vetting extended to other regions, including Ankole and Acholi. In Ankole, aspirants included Godfrey Beinomugisha (Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality), Jean Muyambi (Rwampara East), Irene Number One Kajumba (Mbarara City Woman MP), Katabalwa (Rwampara County), and Magambo Rubahamya (Ntungamo Municipality).
Others were: Guard Kamaradi (Ruhaama County), Gerald Ngabirano (Ruhinda North), Sharon Resty Kyarimpa (Isingiro West), Sharif Ntanda bin Hakim (Isingiro North), Emmanuel Kihembo (Bukanga North), and Joseph Asiimwe (Kashongi, Kiruhura).
From Acholi, Pastor Concy Lagum (Gulu City) and Robert Ling Lagoro (aka Twon Atunya, Aruu North, Pader) were vetted to carry the NUP flag in their constituencies. The vetting exercise continues today.
