Kamuli, Uganda: Supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Busoga are bitterly divided after the party leadership handed flags to candidates many locals say are disconnected from the grassroots, sidelining seasoned contenders with strong followings.
In Buyende, residents and constituents of Budiope West have protested the decision to deny veteran opposition figure Dr Dominic Wakabi the party flag, instead awarding it to former NRM mobiliser Anthony Kolobe.
Dr Wakabi, who has contested three times and consistently finished as runner-up, says he is disappointed but not surprised, describing the selection process as “a political farce” sanitised to favour predetermined candidates.
In Kamuli Municipality, supporters expressed similar frustrations after Silver Segonga, regarded as the popular choice, was dropped in favour of engineer Godfrey Mugoya, while for the Woman MP seat, long-time challenger Proscovia Naikoba Kanakutanda was overlooked for Bridget Babirye.
Residents accuse Babirye of abandoning the constituency after her earlier loss, questioning the credibility of her flag. “We thought we would at least have a strong candidate against Kadaga and Minister Milly Babalanda, but NUP has made it worse. This method of selecting flag bearers reeks of corruption,” said Farouk Isabirye, an NUP mobiliser from Kidera Sub-county.
According to supporters like Shamim Nairuba, the party’s vetting system relies more on loyalty and top leadership favour than merit or grassroots strength. “How do you drop Naikoba or Ssegona for weaker candidates? Is NUP after state power or comedy?” she wondered.
Dr Wakabi, who says he is under pressure from his supporters to contest as an independent, added that the so-called assessment was reduced to phone calls and write-ups from local chairpersons, leaving credible candidates out. “When you threaten their status quo or challenge their power, you are simply thrown out,” he remarked.
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