The nomination forms are being scattered around at the National Unity Platform headquarters in Makerere Kavule, with surprising news emerging constantly about potential candidates for the party’s official flag bearer in the 2026 general elections. It’s important to highlight that the party does not conduct elections; instead, candidates are selected based on several criteria. This approach has been labeled as ‘highest bidder for the winner’ and viewed as undemocratic.
Recent information reaching this website suggests that party leader Bobi Wine has begun dismissing some nominations in favor of others. First on this list is the young activist David Musiri, who previously indicated his desire to run for the Makindye West seat. Musiri had publicly shared his intentions and had even begun organizing his campaign to challenge Ssewanyana.
Sources indicate that Bobi Wine has now advised Musiri to step aside for Makindye mayor Hajji Ali Mulyanyama. Mulyanyama recently announced his intention to run, but it was uncertain who the party would endorse between the two loyal members.
However, Bobi Wine intervened to resolve the situation, advising Musiri to stand down and instead contest for the lord councilor position, which he assured Musiri he would win. Additionally, Mulyanyama’s candidacy is fully supported by the upper echelons of NUP, who have lost confidence in Allan Ssewanyana due to his imprisonment and release, allegedly involving State House officials. Furthermore, Bobi Wine reportedly facilitated Mulyanyama’s candidacy by instructing Zahara Luyirika to forgo the Makindye West seat in favor of challenging Hon Shamim Malende for the woman MP position for Kampala.
Reports indicate that Malende has also fallen out of favor within the NUP leadership as her health has declined, preventing her from advancing the party’s goals.
Malende, who recently lost her father, received significant support from many of her backers who encouraged her to return for the same role. Rumors suggest that Malende’s relationship with NUP leadership soured after it came to light that she was part of Mathias Mpuuga’s team that negotiated with State House officials for the release of MPs Ssewanyana and the late Muhammad Ssegirinya.
Additionally, it is claimed that Malende has stopped answering calls from party secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya. Some even propose that her allegations of being poisoned were a tactic to regain favor with her NUP superiors.
