Aidah Nakuya slams NUP vetting, questions ‘nepotism’ in Kampala MP flag allocation

• Aidah Nakuya says she excelled in NUP’s vetting but was later dropped from the final list.

• Claims her name was removed from the list within hours by a “big person” in the party.

• Questions whether the vetting involved NRM supporters and decries favoritism in party.

Former Kawempe Councilor Aidah Nakuya has joined the growing list of discontented aspirants expressing frustration over the National Unity Platform (NUP) vetting process for parliamentary candidates ahead of the 2026 elections.

The vetting exercise, concluded a few weeks ago, has stirred widespread discontent, with several candidates opting to run as independents or crossing to other political parties.

Speaking on Radio 4 with Adm. Kungu, Nakuya claimed she was the best-performing candidate among those vetted for the Kampala Woman MP seat. She recounted being asked seven questions during the interview and confidently delivering accurate responses—something even one panelist privately acknowledged as impressive.

However, when the final list was released, her name was missing.

“My name was on the list between 10 pm and midnight, but within two hours, it had been removed by someone influential in the party,” she said, adding that she bears no personal grudge against anyone.

Nakuya questioned the criteria NUP used to assess candidates on the ground, suggesting that the party might have consulted NRM supporters in Kampala when evaluating popularity. She further cited inconsistencies in other areas, questioning how Kampala Central “wanted Rubongoya,” Nakawa “wanted Nubian Li,” and Kawempe South “wanted Nyanzi,” who had earlier declared interest in Kampala Central.

The Kampala Woman MP flag was eventually handed to the incumbent, Hon Shamim Malende. This is after her closest competitor, Zaharah Luyirika was put to Makindye West.