️ NUP Kicks Off Vetting Process for 2026 Parliamentary Candidates Amid Calls for Unity and Transparency
Kampala, Uganda – September 14, 2025 — The National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced that it will officially begin vetting candidates for its parliamentary flag bearer positions on Monday, September 15, marking a key step in the party’s preparations for the 2026 general elections.
The vetting process will run through September 21, covering all regions of Uganda in a carefully structured schedule. According to the Election Management Committee, the system is designed to be thorough and merit-based, with 60% of a candidate’s final score drawn from grassroots consultations and the remaining 40% based on committee evaluations.
Committee chairperson Harriet Chemutai, speaking at the party headquarters in Kavule, emphasized the importance of integrity and preparedness. “We are committed to ensuring a transparent and credible process that reflects the aspirations of the people,” she said.
All aspirants are required to report to the party offices by 8:00 a.m. on their designated vetting day with their expression of interest forms, National ID, NUP membership card, and original or certified academic documents.
Vetting Schedule by Region
- September 15 – Wakiso, West Nile, Kigezi
- September 16 – Kampala, Acholi, Ankole
- September 17 – Greater Masaka, Lango, Tooro
- September 18 – Greater Mpigi, Karamoja, Bunyoro
- September 19 – Greater Mukono, Sebei, Teso, Rwenzori
- September 20–21 – Greater Mubende, Bugisu, Greater Luwero, Busoga
Past Criticisms, Renewed Promises
This latest vetting round follows a previous internal selection for local government positions, which faced criticism over alleged corruption and favoritism. Chemutai acknowledged those concerns and stressed that the current process aims to rebuild public trust in the party’s internal democracy.
Unity Over Division
Central Region committee coordinator John Mary Ssebuufu urged party loyalists to maintain unity and support those who earn the NUP ticket.
“If you didn’t make it this time, support your colleagues who did. This is a collective struggle to change the country’s direction. Unity is our strength,” Ssebuufu told reporters.
He also discouraged disgruntled members from running as independents, warning that such moves could weaken the party’s momentum ahead of 2026.
⚖️ Arrests Cast Shadow Over Start of Process
Ssebuufu expressed concern over the recent arrest of NUP aspirants, including Alex Mufumbiro, currently held in Luzira Prison. He criticized the timing of these arrests, suggesting they are politically motivated efforts to disrupt the party’s organizing efforts at a critical time.
As Uganda inches closer to the 2026 general elections, the NUP’s vetting process could prove pivotal—not only in defining the party’s parliamentary line-up but also in demonstrating whether it can match its reformist ideals with internal accountability and nationwide unity.
