Prominent politicians struggle to secure NUP tickets

KAMPALA - The competition to secure National Unity Platform party flag-bearer tickets has intensified, with many established politicians struggling to secure spots.

The latest development is the surprise decision by former Kawempe North legislator Haj Latif Sebaggala Sengendo to downgrade his political status from MP contender to division mayor for Kampala city's Kawempe division.

Sebaggala's unexpected move

Sebaggala, a seasoned politician and resident of Kikulu zone, Kikaaya ward in Kawempe division, has picked up nomination forms to contest for the division seat on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket.

When asked about his decision, Sebaggala insisted that he is not downgrading his status but is instead driven by a desire to serve his people in a different capacity.

“I am the one who is the best. During my time as an MP, I convinced the Government to do road works on several key roads in Kawempe," Sebaggala said on June 17, 2025.

Stiff competition

However, Sebaggala faces stiff competition from Umar Magala, a highly-rated foot soldier mobiliser and former political prisoner.

Magala expressed his determination to defeat Sebaggala for the ticket, citing the need for change and a shift towards younger leadership.

“The future of politics belongs to the youth, and we are here to make old folks retire peacefully from active politics," Magala said.

Other nominations

Other politicians who were nominated include Rubaga North MP Abubaker Kawalya, who is seeking re-election on the NUP ticket.

Kawalya highlighted his achievements in Parliament, including his role in reviewing the Auditor General's report and building markets in the division.

Blazio Zambali Mukasa, a journalist, was also nominated to run for the Nansana Municipality MP seat in Wakiso district. Zambali pledged to work on fair policies and provide quality services to local communities.

Latif Sebaggala Sengendo who has swallowed a bitter pill by accepting to downgrade his political status from MP contender status shows his forms at NUP headquarters. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

NUP's nomination process

NUP's nomination process has been marked by intense competition, with many politicians vying for spots on the party ticket. The party's leadership will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the nominations and shaping the party's direction in the upcoming elections.

As the electoral landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the outcome of the elections and the future of Ugandan politics.

FDC nominates

In a related development, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has been nominating candidates for various positions to run and represent the party in the 2026 general elections.

Yusuf Nsibambi, the MP for Mawokota County South and FDC Deputy President in charge of Buganda region was nominated yesterday, June 17, at Najjanankumbi with high hopes to retain the seat.

Soroti District Woman MP Ann Adeke Ebaju also secured the party's nomination to represent FDC in the 2026 general election with the party having massive support in the eastern region ever since it split with the Peoples’ Front for Freedom (PFF) party now under Dr. Col. (rtd) Kiiza Besigye, the former FDC party president.

The FDC national electoral commission, led by Boniface Toterebuka Bamwenda, declared them successful candidates at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, amidst cheers from supporters.

“Nomination is not only taking place here at the head office, but rather per district. It has been ongoing, and we are receiving positive results in every corner of the country,” Bamwenda said.

Kasese was buzzing on the second day of nominations, with the FDC vice chairperson (western region), Centenary Franco Robert Bwambale, already nominated as MP for Kasese Municipality.

Expecting more nominations soon, including William Nzoghu Mushabe for Busongora County North and Florence Kabugho Ssekalombi for Kasese District Woman MP, he said.