The National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership in the Greater Masaka Sub-region has raised concerns over the competence and transparency of the party’s ongoing vetting process, currently taking place at Bwaala Social Centre in Masaka City.
The NUP Elections Committee launched the vetting exercise to streamline the party’s representation ahead of the 2026 General Elections. The process aims to identify the strongest and most capable candidates for various local government positions.
However, a section of NUP leaders and aspirants argue that the committee lacks a clear understanding of local political dynamics and is endorsing candidates based on superficial qualities, such as fluency in English—rather than genuine grassroots support.
According to NUP Elections Committee Chairperson Harriet Chemutai, the vetting process is intended to reduce internal competition that could weaken the party’s electoral performance.
But Deogratius Bwanika, Chairperson of Kibinge Sub-county and a NUP aspirant for the same position, criticized the committee for allegedly awarding party flags to individuals who are either unpopular in their constituencies or suspected of collaborating with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Bwanika also noted that the vetting committee is working under intense pressure due to the Electoral Commission’s decision to bring forward nomination dates for local government candidates.
He further argued that the committee has so far only conducted extensive vetting in the Kampala Metropolitan Area, spending significant time there, yet even those results have not been officially released.
“There is growing concern that many of the NUP aspirants being considered in Greater Masaka either have no grassroots support or are NRM sympathizers in disguise,” Bwanika warned.
This wave of dissatisfaction comes as NUP faces internal pressure to uphold its democratic values and ensure that its flag bearers truly represent the will of the people in the upcoming elections.
