Kampala, Uganda: The Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya has revealed the strategy his party is using to minimize internal competition and fights over elective positions, particularly as its popularity continues to surge ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking in an interview, Rubongoya admitted that NUP faces growing challenges in areas where multiple individuals, sometimes up to nine, vie for a single position under the party ticket, a scenario he said risks causing internal divisions if not managed properly.
“Our party is extremely popular; everyone wants to run under NUP, and we are very delighted about that. In some regions, you find an average of 9 candidates per position. So, the party has to sit down and encourage some of these individuals to consider lower positions or to serve the party in other capacities,” Rubongoya explained.
He said that the party leadership actively engages these aspirants through dialogue, encouraging them to consider lower positions or roles within the party structure to reduce unnecessary clashes during internal selection processes.
Rubongoya acknowledged that these conversations are difficult as many individuals are determined to seek elective office. However, he emphasized that compromise and strategic placements are necessary to preserve party unity and maintain NUP’s strong public appeal.
NUP remains Uganda’s largest opposition party, attracting thousands of youth and first-time politicians who view the party as their best shot at electoral victory.
Rubongoya said this popularity comes with growing pains, especially as the party seeks to ensure orderly internal processes ahead of the 2026 polls.
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