Several politicians vying for the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag at the parliamentary level have expressed confidence that the party will emerge victorious in the 2026 elections.
Speaking to Bbeg Media during the party’s vetting exercise at Kavule yesterday, the aspirants said they were committed to bringing change in their constituencies and the country.
Some of the politicians vetted yesterday are: Geoffrey Lutaaya, seeking a second term for Kakuuto in Rakai; Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu, aiming to retain Kalungu West; lawyer Jude Mbabaali, running for Kimanya-Kabonera in Masaka City; Francis Katabaazi Katongole, seeking re-election in Kalungu East and music icon Nina Kankunda, also known as Nina Roz, contesting her first term as Sembabule district Woman MP.
Others were: Hellen Nakimuli, pursuing a second term as Kalangala District Woman MP; Ronald Evans Kanyike, aiming to represent Bukoto County East; and JohnPaul Mpalanyi Lukwago, seeking another term as Kyotera County MP.
Francis Katabaazi Katongole, who entered politics in 2021, said he was driven by a desire to renew his mandate and continue his fight against policies detrimental to Ugandans.
“I have never betrayed my people or my party. I opposed the controversial UPDF Act and Coffee Bill, which went against the interests of my constituents,” Katabaazi said, donning a red NUP cap. He expressed confidence in securing the party ticket but pledged to support any NUP candidate should he not be selected.
Fortunate Rose Nantongo, the incumbent Kyotera Woman MP and a lawyer, highlighted her achievements in the 11th Parliament, including her vocal opposition to the amendment of the UPDF Act and Coffee Bill, as well as her advocacy for better healthcare and infrastructure.
“No one matches my experience and debating skills in appropriating budgets, oversight, and ensuring accountability for Kyotera,” she stated, underscoring her readiness to reclaim her seat.
Geoffrey Lutaaya, a musician-turned-politician, vowed to continue lobbying for the completion of the Mutukula-Kyotera road and push for a copyright law to protect artists.
“Party unity is paramount. We must prioritise collective goals to end Museveni’s dictatorship,” Lutaaya said, adding that he would back the NUP’s chosen candidate if he does not secure the ticket.
Hellen Nakimuli, Kalangala’s Woman MP since 2021, promised to maintain her strong representation of the district’s fishing communities, addressing issues like poor healthcare, inadequate school facilities, and restrictive fishing policies.
“Those who seek to serve their people will run again; those chasing personal gain will stop after one term,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, Joseph Ssewungu Gonzaga, a veteran teacher and lawyer, dismissed concerns about term limits for MPs, arguing that experience strengthens parliamentary oversight.
“I am grooming a successor, but I am not done yet,” he said, noting his unchallenged candidacy for Kalungu West.
Ronald Evans Kanyike, the incumbent Bukoto County East MP, reaffirmed his commitment to fighting land evictions and advocating for the release of political prisoners. John Paul Mpalanyi Lukwago, the Kyotera County MP, outlined plans to address youth unemployment and improve healthcare and infrastructure, particularly the Mutukula-Kyotera road.
Other vetted candidates are Grace Nalubega for Rakai Woman MP, and several others across constituencies like Masaka City, Bukomansimbi, and Tooro sub region. The NUP’s Electoral Management Committee (EMC) also vetted candidates for constituencies such as Mawogola West, Lwemiyaga, and Kibale County.
The vetting exercise will conclude on September 21, 2025.
