The National Unity Platform (NUP), a prominent political force in Uganda, has commenced a rigorous vetting process for aspirants seeking to represent the party in the upcoming 2026 general elections. This critical phase aims to identify and select candidates who embody the party's values and possess the integrity and competence to effectively represent the people.
Vetting Process Details
The vetting exercise is scheduled to run from September 15th to September 21st at the NUP headquarters in Kampala. The process operates daily between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. According to Ms. Harriet Chemutai, the chairperson of the NUP Elections Management Committee, the vetting began with aspirants from Wakiso District, the West Nile region, and the Kigezi sub-region. Subsequent days are dedicated to aspirants from other regions, including Kampala City, Acholi, Ankole, Greater Masaka, Lango, Toro, Greater Mpigi, Karamoja, and Bunyoro. The schedule continues with Greater Mukono, Sebei, Teso, Rwenzori, Greater Mubende, Bugisu, Bukedi, Greater Luweero and Busoga.
Aspirants are required to bring essential documents to the vetting, including expression of interest forms, national identification cards, NUP membership cards, and original academic credentials. Ms. Chemutai emphasized the commitment to transparency throughout the entire process, with the goal of presenting the electorate with credible, competitive, and trustworthy candidates who genuinely reflect the people's choice.
The vetting process itself will contribute 40% to an aspirant's final score. The remaining 60% will be determined by a ground assessment, conducted jointly by committee officials and sub-regional NUP registrars. This assessment will gauge the candidates’ popularity and political strength within their respective constituencies.
Bobi Wine's Call for Integrity and Warning Against Undue Influence
Robert Kyagulanyi, the NUP president, widely known as Bobi Wine, has issued a strong caution to the Elections Management Committee, urging them to conduct the vetting process with the utmost integrity. He stressed the importance of selecting candidates who are genuinely committed to the party's principles and the needs of the people, rather than those seeking only personal gain or opportunistic advancement.
Kyagulanyi highlighted the need to avoid aspirants who might join NUP solely to secure the party's endorsement, only to reveal their true colors if denied the flag. He also cautioned against those who, after obtaining the party's backing, might betray the people's expectations. This time, he stated, the party is determined to select candidates who will fearlessly advocate against impunity and defend the rights of all citizens.
He further warned against any form of favoritism or undue influence during the vetting process. He emphasized the need for credible leaders who are free from the influences of segregation, religious bias, or exploitation. He cautioned against aspirants who might falsely claim connections to the NUP's top leadership in an attempt to gain an unfair advantage.
Concerns Regarding Security and Electoral Fairness
Kyagulanyi also raised serious concerns about the security situation surrounding the upcoming elections. He condemned the reported abductions of NUP aspirants and supporters, including prominent figures such as Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Calvin Tasi, and Edward Ssebuufu. He described a climate of fear, where even his own security team is continuously targeted.
He called upon the Electoral Commission and security forces to ensure peaceful campaigns, allowing candidates to reach out to the people without fear of violence or intimidation. He urged Ugandan voters to support the NUP's flagbearers, emphasizing that they have been thoroughly vetted and verified. He expressed a desire to build a "new Uganda" free from the corruption and malfeasance that plagued the past.
Broader Electoral Context
The NUP's vetting process occurs as other political parties in Uganda are also progressing towards finalizing their internal candidate selection procedures. The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has reportedly already completed its internal structures. According to the Electoral Commission (EC), the final nomination of parliamentary candidates is scheduled to take place in mid-October.
Key Dates for NUP Aspirant Vetting:
- September 15: Wakiso, West Nile, and Kigezi regions
- September 16: Kampala City, Acholi, and Ankole regions
- September 17: Greater Masaka, Lango, and Toro regions
- September 18: Greater Mpigi, Karamoja, and Bunyoro regions
- September 19: Greater Mukono, Sebei, Teso, and Rwenzori regions
- September 20: Greater Mubende, Bugisu, and Bukedi regions
- September 21: Greater Luweero and Busoga regions.
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