The long awaited list of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidates for Members of Parliament (MPs) has been released and left many in tears of joyful while others are engulfed in sorrow. The NUP which won the largest constituencies in Buganda in 2021 has reinstated many of its incumbents while others have been replaced with new entrants.
Shamim Malende, the incumbent Kampala Woman MP, has retained her seat while her fiercest rival Zahara Luyirika has been given the ticket for Makindye West constituency. NUP has dropped two of its Makindye West and Makindye East incumbents Allan Ssewanyana and Derrick Nyeko respectively. The latter has been replaced with Ali Nganda Mulyanyama who has been serving as Division Mayor.
Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP) Joel Ssenyonyi, has retained her card for Nakawa West while Nakawa East has been given to Waiswa Mufumbiro since the constituency incumbent Ronald Balimwezo chose to run for Kampala Lord Mayor where he seeks to unseat Erisa Lukwago who has held the mantra since 2011.
Kawempe North incumbent Erias Nalukoola Luyimbazi, who replaced fallen area legislator Muhammad Ssegirinya, has retained his NUP card while Bashir Kazibwe, the Kawempe South incumbent has been replaced Fred Nyanzi, who is the senior brother to NUP President Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine.
Lubaga North incumbent, Abubaker Kawalya, has retained his card while Alloysius Mukasa, has lost the card for Lubaga South to Eugenia Nassolo. NUP’s Secretary General, Lewis Rubongoya, has earned the card for Kampala Central. Elsewhere, the pride filled legislator, Medard Ssegona, has lost his Busiro East card to musician Mathias Walukaga, who is also the Kyengera town council.
Betty Nambooze, has retained her card for Mukono Municipality, Betty Ethel Naluyima has retained her Wakiso Woman MP ticket, Veronica Namaganda Nanyondo, has retained her Bukomansimbi Woman MP card, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, has retained his ticket for Butambala Constituency.
Hillary Kiyaga alias Dr Hilderman, has retained his Mawokota North constituency, Godfrey Kayemba Ssolo, has retained his Bukomansimbi South ticket. Abdullah Kiwanuka has retained his ticket for Mukono North, journalist Zambaali Blasio Mukasa has won the Nansana Municipality ticket.