NUP Unveils 2026 Parliamentary Flagbearers, Big Names Droppe

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has released its much-anticipated list of parliamentary flagbearers for the 2026 general elections, following a rigorous vetting process concluded two weeks ago.

Announcing the results today, Election Management Committee chairperson Harriet Chemutai revealed a reshuffle that signals the party’s intent to tighten its grip ahead of the 2026 general election.

Some of the party’s most prominent incumbents have been shown the exit. In Wakiso District’s Busiro East, veteran legislator Medard Lubega Sseggona has been replaced by singer-turned-politician Mathias Walukagga, while in Mityana, Woman MP Joyce Bagala has lost the flag to Mukisa Proscovia.

Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko has been replaced by Ali Kasirye Nganda Mulyannyama, and Allan Ssewanyana of Makindye West has been edged out by Zahrah Maala Luyirika. In Lubaga South, Aloysius Mukasa bows out for Nassolo Euginia, Kazibwe Bashir cedes Kawempe South to Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, and Fred Ssimbwa gives way to Kiwanuka Sulaiman in Nakifuma County.

Despite the shake-ups, several Kampala heavyweights have held their ground. Shamim Malende remains Kampala Woman MP flagbearer alongside Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro in Nakawa East, Joel Ssenyonyi in Nakawa West, Abubaker Kawalya in Lubaga North and David Lewis Rubongoya in Kampala Central.

In Mukono District, Betty Nambooze Bakireke and Abdallah Kiwanuka keep their flags while newcomer Robert Maseruka takes Mukono South, though the district woman’s seat awaits reevaluation. In Buikwe, Sserubula Stephen retains Lugazi Municipality, as Musanje Moses Lukanga captures Njeru Municipality, and Kanaabi Jimmy holds Buikwe South.

Kayunga District maintains Harriet Nakwedde for the district woman MP seat and Tebandeke Charles for Bbaale County, while Ssali Frederick Kafeero and Nsanja Patrick emerge as the party’s choices for Ntenjeru North and South, respectively.

Kiboga keeps Christine Nakimwero Kkaaya as the district woman parliamentary candidate. In Mityana, Lukyamuzi David Kalwanga remains flagbearer for Busujju County, while Zaake Francis Butebi retains Mityana Municipality.

Kassanda District maintains Flavia Nabagabe as the woman MP and Frank Kabuye for Kassanda South. Butambala keeps both Aisha Kabanda and Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, and Gomba maintains incumbent Ssaazi Godfrey for Gomba East.

In Mpigi, musician-MP Hilary Kiyaga, known as Hilderman, stays on for Mawokota North, while the current district chairperson, Ssejjemba Martin, takes the flag for Mawokota South, though the woman representative seat will be reviewed. Buvuma’s woman MP, Mugabi Suzan, and Kalangala’s Nakimuli Hellen also remain in place.

In Kalungu District, Ssewungu Joseph Gonzaga retains Kalungu West as Kiruuta Yusuf replaces Francis Katabaazi Katongole in Kalungu East. Masaka District keeps Joan Namutaawe as woman MP and Kanyike Evans in Bukoto East, but Dr Abed Bwanika and Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba have been dropped in favour of Kuteesa Patrick for Kimanya Kabonera and Lubowa Ssebina Gyaviira for Nyendo Mukungwe.

Bukomansimbi maintains Veronica Nannyondo for the woman MP’s seat and Kayemba Geoffrey Solo for Bukomansimbi South, while Christine Ndiwalana is replaced by Nsereko Kayongo in Bukomansimbi North.

Wakiso District retains Naluyima Ethel for the Woman MP race, Muwada Nkunyingi for Kyadondo East, David Sserukenya for Makindye Ssabagabo and Matovu Charles for Busiro South. Fresh faces in Wakiso include George Musisi for Kira Municipality, Nabatta Namuli Joyce for Entebbe Municipality, Ssemaganda Ronald for Busiro North and Zambali Bulasio Mukasa for Nansana Municipality.

In Luweero, Brenda Nabukenya, Hassan Kirumira, Robert Ssekitooleko and Denis Ssekabira all retain their flags for the Woman MP, Katikamu South, Bamunanika and Katikamu North seats respectively. Nakaseke District remains unchanged, with Luttamaguzi Ssemakula Paulson and Allan Mayanja keeping their Central and South flags.

NUP captured 57 parliamentary seats in the 2021 elections, only two of them outside Buganda.