Muwanga Kivumbi Steps In to Mediate NUP Kampala Woman MP Flag Dispute

Reports indicate that Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi has been tasked with mediating talks between two rival aspirants for the Kampala Woman MP seat — Hon. Shamim Malende and Zahara Luyirika — before the National Unity Platform (NUP) electoral commission decides who will carry the party flag.

The Rivalry

Ground reports suggest that Hon. Malende currently enjoys stronger grassroots support, particularly in the city’s ghettos and among street vendors. She is said to have teamed up with Hon. Allan Ssewanyana and his network of “foot soldiers” to mobilize voters in low-income neighborhoods.

By contrast, Hon. Zahara Luyirika — the current councillor of Makindye — has the full backing of NUP’s top leadership, including the party president. However, her support on the ground appears less pronounced, with many hawkers and informal sector workers leaning toward Malende, though they are open to supporting Zahara if she is endorsed by the party.

Political Background

• Hon. Shamim Malende: A human rights lawyer and outspoken legislator, Malende first entered Parliament in 2021 on the NUP ticket. She has been a strong critic of government excesses and a visible figure in opposition activism. Her legal work defending political prisoners has earned her deep respect among Kampala’s urban poor.
• Hon. Zahara Luyirika: Formerly a Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) speaker, Zahara entered Parliament in a by-election after NUP secured a majority in Kampala. Known for her organizational skills and close alignment with party leadership, she has maintained a low public profile but wields influence in party structures.

What’s at Stake

The mediation process led by Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi is critical for maintaining party unity in Kampala — a city where NUP commands its largest voter base. Any fallout could split support, weakening the party’s chances in the 2026 elections. Zahara has already stated she will not return to City Hall even if she fails to retain the party flag.

A final decision from the NUP electoral commission is expected soon after Kivumbi’s talks, with both camps awaiting the outcome.