Hon Paul Nsubuga, the MP for Busiro North, has suggested to his party leaders that credible party primaries are essential for nurturing genuine leadership within NUP across all constituencies, contrasting with the current situation.
He believes that Bobi Wine, as the president of NUP, should permit party members to directly select their candidates at all levels for the upcoming elections, rather than making decisions from the headquarters in Kavule and imposing his preferred candidates.
Nsubuga mentions that in his Busiro North constituency, as well as many others in Buganda looking to contest his seat in the 2026 elections, there is a perception that Bobi Wine and other leaders at Kavule are favoring certain individuals to be on the ballot.
During the weekend, Nsubuga organized a meeting in Kakiri to seek consensus among NUP members, but it ended in disarray and physical altercations, as many participants insisted their chosen candidates were the ones Bobi Wine and Kavule were supporting.
There appears to be growing tension within the Kabule-based party as the 2026 general elections approach rapidly. Numerous candidates, including some prominent figures, have voiced their intentions to pursue various political roles. Those who secured election in the last cycle also seem poised to make a comeback.
However, many face significant challenges as they have largely not performed well in their previous terms.
Unlike the NRM, NUP does not conduct primaries for voters to choose official candidates. This is largely due to the party’s relatively young status and its potential inability to cover the costs associated with running these primaries.
Candidates for flag bearer positions are usually either selected by the party leadership or run unopposed. This practice has led to skepticism that party membership cards are assigned to the highest bidder, as Bobi Wine’s party appears to monetize them.
