The National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), has officially released its flag bearers list for 2026 parliamentary elections, according to reports by Kelele UG. The much-anticipated list confirms winners, drops incumbents, and introduces new faces — setting the stage for heated contests across Uganda.
Retained NUP Flag Bearers
Several incumbents successfully defended their party tickets:
- Shamim Malende – Kampala Woman MP.
- Anifa Nabukeera – Mukono Woman MP.
- Charles Tebandeke – Bbale County, Kayunga.
- Joyce Bagala – Mityana Woman MP.
- Charles Nsubuga – Busiro South.
- Betty Ethel Naluyima – Wakiso Woman MP.
- Nkunyingi Muwadda – Kyaddondo East.
- Manjeri Kyebakutika – Jinja City Woman MP.
Dropped or Rejected Aspirants
Some high-profile names failed to make the cut:
- Medard Segona – axed at the last minute.
- Derrick Nyeko – dropped from Makindye East.
- Paul Nsubuga – Busiro North incumbent.
- Sam Muyizi – replaced by Sebina Gyavira in Nyendo-Mukungwe.
- Dr. Joel Mirembe – Mawokota South hopeful rejected.
- Dr. Ali Damani – excluded due to fallout with SG Rubongoya.
- Dr. Roy Semboga – sidelined again, ticket goes to Fred Nyanzi.
- Aloysius Mukasa – Rubaga South incumbent dropped.
- Francis Katabaazi Katongole – Kalungu West incumbent sacrificed.
- Fred Ssimbwa – Nakifuma hopeful denied ticket.
- Adam Smith – big-money donor ignored.
New NUP Candidates on the List
- Euginia Nassolo – Rubaga South.
- Patrick Kutesa – Kimanya-Kabonera.
- Sebina Gyavira Lubow – Nyendo-Mukungwe.
- Martin Ssejjemba – Mawokota South, despite past corruption cases.
- Harriet Nakwedde – Kayunga Woman MP seat.
- Patrick Nsanja – Ntenjeru North.
- Suleiman Kiwanuka – Nakifuma County.
- Joyce Nabatta Namuli – Entebbe Municipality.
- Mulyanyama – Makindye West.
- Yusuf Kiruluta Nkeretanyi – Kalungu West.
⚡ Controversies Surrounding the List
- Rubongoya’s influence: Reports say Dr. Damani and Dr. Semboga were blocked due to personal fallout with NUP SG David Lewis Rubongoya.
- Corruption baggage: Martin Ssejjemba’s candidacy remains controversial after his past arrest.
- Big names sacrificed: Segona, Mukasa, and Katongole’s exclusion shocked supporters.
- Bobi Wine’s directive: Sources confirm Kyagulanyi personally ordered EMC boss Harriet Chemutai to release the final list without delay.
What This Means for 2026
The confirmed NUP MP candidates list reveals Bobi Wine’s strategy of prioritizing loyalty and grassroots mobilizers over incumbents. While this strengthens his grip on the party, it risks internal divisions and defections ahead of the 2026 general elections
