The National Unity Platform (NUP) yesterday vetted prominent party members from Bugisu and Greater Mubende regions, including parliamentary party whip John Baptist Nambeshe and Joyce Bagala for Mityana district Woman MP.
The vetting process took place at NUP’s Kavule headquarters in Kampala, as the party prepares for the 2026 elections.
Bbeg Media spoke with several candidates about their expectations from the vetting exercise and their vision for their constituencies.
David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga, serving his second term as Busujju MP, expressed gratitude to God and his constituents for their support over two terms. He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing poverty, poor governance, corruption, and improving infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and schools. Kalwanga also emphasised empowering constituents with skills and affordable business loans to enhance their livelihoods.
Patrick Nsamba Oshaba, vying for Kassanda, urged his supporters to use their votes to challenge the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government in the upcoming elections. He endorsed Robert Kyagulanyi’s presidential candidacy.
“Kyagulanyi is our strongest alternative to defeat President Museveni. Our supporters must know that NUP’s influence extends beyond Buganda, despite Museveni’s claims otherwise,” he said.
John Baptist Nambeshe, the NUP parliamentary whip, who was unopposed in reclaiming his ticket, commended the delegation from Bugisu and other regions for participating in the vetting process. He highlighted their commitment to restoring the rule of law, promoting good governance, and driving reforms.
“The turnout from Bugisu and beyond shows that people are fed up and demand change,” Nambeshe said, noting that many candidates were unopposed but still fulfilled party requirements by completing forms and other processes.
Dr Gordon Sematiko Katende, formerly of the NRM, was vetted for the Mityana North ticket. He aims to reclaim what he described as a “stolen victory” from the previous election, asserting his suitability to deliver effective legislation, appropriation, and oversight for his constituents’ challenges.
Flavia Kalule Nabagabe, vetted for Kassanda District Woman MP, pledged to improve school welfare, healthcare services, and empower youths and women in her constituency.
Dr William Bukulu, contesting for Kiboga West, outlined his agenda to advocate for a federal system for all Ugandan regions, reinstate term limits from local council levels to the presidency, and improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and access to clean water.
Catherine Nalweyiso Tusubira, outgoing Mityana District Council Speaker, warned against working under a regime that does not align with one’s values. She expressed determination to see Kyagulanyi elected president through a protest vote.
Juma Senabulya, vying for Busujju, criticised the NRM government for its handling of the education sector and accused it of overstaying in power while neglecting Ugandans’ issues.
Isabel Brenda Shopi Baluka, vetted for Budaka District Woman MP, called on her rivals to join her in addressing critical issues like access to clean water, improved schools, better roads, and increased health sector funding. “I am qualified and experienced to tackle the challenges facing the people of Budaka,” she said.
Other vetted candidates included:
Eric Mukomba (Butebo)
Living Barasa Ouma Mabachi (Busia Municipality)
Kiiza Sauya Sausia (Butaleja District Woman MP)
Nimrode Masaba (Bunghoko South, Mbale District)
Guyson Nangayi (Bunghoko Central)
Muhamudu Wegullo (Bunyole East)
James Mugga and Robert Mutebi Adebayo (Bukuya, Kassanda District)
Muhamudu Kibuuka (Kiboga West)
Fausta Nalubega Bitaano, Florence Nakirijja, and Proscovia Mukisa Nabbosa (Mityana District Woman MP)
Isaac Tomusange and Bishop William Tomusange Bifaaki (Mityana North)
Kevin Nalwoga (Mityana South)
Ameni Obrien Siff (Tororo County South)
The EMC also met candidates from Tororo, Mbale, and Sironko, including:
Simon Peter Ochieng (Tororo County North)
Ondur Sidoro Kachul (West Budama North East)
Daphne Mary Achieng (Tororo District Woman MP)
Robinah Masibo Nadunga (Mbale City Woman MP)
Zachariah Onno (West Budama Central)
Valentine Owor (Tororo Municipality)
Henry Ochieng (West Budama North)
Samuel Oyuk (West Budama South)
Samuel Nanoka and Twaha Kimanya (Budadiri East)
James Kimayo Sulia Mudeda (Mbale City, Industrial Division)
Halima Asena (Mbale City Woman MP)
Mudasiru Jafari (Budadiri West, Sironko District)
Gideon Wananda (Bunghoko Central)
Ernest Ayen (Northern Uganda Youths)
The vetting exercise is set to conclude today (Sunday, 21 September 2025).
