NUP denies bribery claims

POLITICS|NUP|ELECTION WATCH

The National Unity Platform (NUP) party leadership has denied bribery allegations in the vetting and choosing of flag-bearers.

NUP deputy secretary general, Aisha Kabanda said: "Over 100 aspirants have petitioned the party regarding different issues, but not bribery claims."

"I have not heard any aspirant complaining that any member of NUP has asked for a bribe or money in order for one to be included on the list of flag-bearers," Kabanda, responding to complaints from a number of aspirants, said.

She asked why the aspirants are complaining now and not when the exercise took place.

Kabanda said NUP, during the vetting exercise, gave out a mobile telephone number registered in her name, for the aspirants to file complaints, but none relating to bribery was received.

"I only received calls from aspirants asking for the party posters, overalls, jackets and caps," she added.

"The electoral commission members had to choose the best candidates whom they observed will compete against aspirants from other political parties," Kabanda said.

She said the vetting process gave room for appeals. Kabanda said the election management committee considered the academic qualifications of the aspirants, loyalty to the party, mobilisations and ability to fund own campaigns. Another consideration was what the aspirant had done for the struggle of the party, among others.

On Monday, a big group of NUP supporters stormed the party offices complaining of an unfair vetting process. The visibly charged supporters were from Wakiso district, Kampala and Makindye Ssabagabo.

John Matovu, one of NUP'S foot soldiers, said his wife Fauzia Kamaria lost out on being the flag-bearer because her opponent paid a sh2m bribe.

Ashraf Ssemwogerere, an artiste and comedian vying for the Rubaga mayoral seat, said he was not invited for vetting and his opponent was given the flag instead.