Lilian Kobugabe Dumps NUP Party Flag in Kararole Woman MP Race

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has suffered a setback following the withdrawal of Lilian Kobugabe, its flagbearer in the Kabarole District Woman MP Race.

In a letter dated October 15, 2025, and addressed to the party’s Secretary General, Lewis Rubongoya, Kobugabe announced her decision to return the flag after what she described as careful consideration and consultation.”

Kobugabe described the move as a difficult but necessary one, expressing confidence that the party would still find a suitable replacement before the nomination deadline.

“It is my humble request that the party utilise the remaining seven days before nomination to identify and support another candidate who can effectively represent our movement’s aspirations in the 2026 General Elections,” she stated.

She extended appreciation to the party leadership and supporters for their trust, pledging continued loyalty to NUP’s vision of a democratic and fair Uganda.

However, speaking to the press, Kobugabe clarified that although she has withdrawn as NUP’s flag bearer, she remains in the parliamentary race, without disclosing whether she intends to run as an independent or under another political banner.

Her withdrawal comes at a critical time for the National Unity Platform, which continues to extend its grassroots support beyond the Central Region. In the 2021 General Elections, NUP enjoyed a sweeping victory across Buganda, where it dominated both parliamentary and local government seats, but struggled to gain significant traction in other regions, particularly in the West and North.

Political analysts say Kobugabe’s exit underlines the party’s continuing challenge to expand its political footprint outside Buganda, where historical loyalties and party structures remain deeply entrenched in favour of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and other opposition formations.

With nominations for Parliamentary Candidates scheduled for October 22-23, NUP faces a race against time to identify a new flag bearer for Kabarole.