• The National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s leading opposition party led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), is facing internal unrest as reports emerge of favoritism, mistrust, and undemocratic practices during its candidate selection process for the 2026 elections.
  • Sources within the party allege that aspiring candidates are being urged or coerced to step down in favor of individuals with close ties to Bobi Wine. 

Reports circulating within political circles suggest that there are internal disputes in the National Unity Platform (NUP), particularly regarding who will represent the party in various positions nationwide. Numerous individuals have been collecting nomination forms from the party’s headquarters located in Makerere Kavule.

While the official nomination list has yet to be disclosed, allegations of distrust, rumors, favoritism, and bribery are already making news.

Recently, it has emerged that several candidates have been, or are being, pressured to withdraw from the various positions they expressed interest in.

It is claimed that this maneuvering is intended to clear the way for close associates of the party leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine. According to sources, if a position attracts multiple candidates, but one has a close relationship with Bobi Wine, they are likely to secure it.

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This situation has been described as undermining the democratic processes of the party, an essential principle upon which it was founded a few years back.

For example, in Kawempe North, Umar Magala was reportedly compelled to withdraw in favor of Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi during the recent by-election. Nalukoola is a longtime friend of Bobi Wine from their time in the ghetto. Furthermore, Magala was urged to stand down and aim for a Councilor position in the upcoming elections.

In a similar instance, David Musiri was asked to step aside for Makindye Mayor, Ali Mulyanyama for the Makindye West MP position and instead pursue the Mayoral role. Regarding the position of Kampala Woman MP, Zahara Luyirika is believed to be the favored candidate over the incumbent Hon Shamim Malende.

Other notable figures within the party structure, such as Chairman Nyanzi for Kawempe South, David Lewis Rubongoya for Kampala Central, and Ronald Balimwezo for Lord Mayor of Kampala, have seemingly appointed themselves to these positions.

Nakawa Division Speaker, Luyombya Godfrey who was eyeing Nakawa Mayorship also withdrew from the race; paving way for Bobi Wine’s close friend and musician, Nubian Li real name Buken Ali

More surprising appointments like these are anticipated in the near future. However, NUP Secretary-General Rubongoya contends that this is not favoritism but rather a process of harmonization, affirming that both candidates and the party ought to be engaged before reaching such conclusions.