National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine, is reportedly under immense pressure following mounting chaos in the party’s flag bearer selection process.
According to sources, the opposition leader has become increasingly frustrated with the way the party’s Electoral Management Committee (EMC) has handled the allocation of tickets, especially in Kampala Metropolitan areas. The confusion has sparked outrage among party supporters and damaged NUP’s public image.
In a bid to salvage the situation, Bobi Wine is said to have reached out to Mercy Walukamba, the former chairperson of NUP’s Electoral Management Committee, seeking her guidance. Walukamba played a central role in preparing the party’s flag bearer lists during the 2021 general elections.
“He decided to consult her on what to do next, especially on the list of councillors, mayors, LC5 and LC3 chairpersons’ positions, which has given NUP bad publicity,” a source revealed.
Reports indicate that some mistakes in the ongoing process are glaring:
Flag bearers have been allocated to non-existent electoral areas.
Some councillors have been declared flag bearers for positions they never applied for.
In other instances, inconsistencies have left candidates and supporters deeply frustrated.
These contradictions have triggered fears that the crisis could worsen in the coming weeks and months if not addressed urgently.
“There are credible fears that the contradictions emanating from the giving out of the tickets are only going to escalate,” an insider said.
As part of his intervention, Bobi Wine reportedly tasked Walukamba to recall some of the volunteers she worked with in 2021 to help sort out the mess. This comes as he prepares for a crisis meeting with NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and the current EMC chairperson.
For a party that has grown into the largest opposition force since its formation, the current disarray poses a serious test to its internal cohesion and credibility ahead of the 2026 polls.
