NUP reconciles feuding Kampala Woman MP aspirants

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As the political tempo rises ahead of Uganda's 2026 general elections, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership has moved to address growing tensions within its internal electoral processes, particularly surrounding the Kampala woman MP race ahead of party vetting.

A high-level meeting was convened on August 16, 2025, between top party officials and the two rival aspirants, Shamim Malende and Zahara Luyirika, whose ongoing feud has sparked concern within the party.

The meeting, chaired by Muwanga Kivumbi, NUP vice president for the Buganda region, and secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya, resulted in a reconciliation between the two aspirants, who committed to abide by the set agreement.

Kivumbi, addressing the press on Saturday after the meeting, said internal divisions undermine the party’s credibility and cohesion in one of its most strategic constituencies, which could not be tolerated.

He explained that the intervention was prompted by the deteriorating conduct of both candidates and their supporters, which had led to public smear campaigns, social media warfare, and deepening factionalism.

“We had observed that the situation had escalated to a point that risks damaging the party’s public image and internal unity. This is not acceptable,” Kivumbi noted, describing the discussions as “fruitful” and resulting in a “fundamental agreement” between the two aspirants.

Although details of the agreement were not disclosed, the candidates publicly shook hands and smiled before the press as a demonstration of their commitment to a more disciplined and respectful campaign.

Kivumbi stressed that while competition among the forces of change is expected, it should not descend into toxic rivalries that replicate the political behaviours NUP was founded to challenge.

NUP’s Electoral Management Committee chairperson, Harriet Chemutai, adopted a firmer stance, warning that continued misconduct could lead to disqualification, not only for Malende and Luyirika, but also for any other candidates fuelling divisions.

“We have seen a very toxic environment. If this persists, we reserve the right to disqualify any or both of them, and that includes any other party candidates who are fuelling it. The integrity of our internal processes must be protected,” Chemutai stated.

She added that other supporters and candidates contesting for different positions had also stoked the conflict by spreading propaganda, sponsoring online attacks, and escalating personal rivalries into factional battles, which would not be tolerated.

“These ladies are not necessarily the root cause of the problem; it is often the supporters who are acting irresponsibly. We must remember: our focus is on a national cause, not internal destruction,” she remarked.

“This is not a do-or-die campaign,” she added.

Both Malende and Luyirika made public statements affirming their commitment to NUP’s principles and electoral guidelines.

“We have agreed to engage with total respect for one another and stick to the party’s values,” Malende said.

Luyirika urged her supporters to “stop the blackmail”, noting that internal sabotage only weakens party unity and contradicts the movement’s objectives.