From 57 to 43 MPs: How NUP’s numbers shrank in 2026 polls

Kampala, Uganda: The National Unity Platform (NUP) suffered its biggest parliamentary setback since entering Uganda’s political scene, losing at least 23 MP seats in the just-concluded 2026 General Elections.

But despite the losses, largely concentrated in Buganda, the opposition party has retained a strong foothold in both Buganda and Busoga, remaining one of the most dominant political forces in the next Parliament.

In the 11th Parliament, NUP commanded 57 MPs, 55 of them from Buganda. In the 12th Parliament, the party’s numbers are projected to drop to 43 MPs, a net loss of 14 seats, largely due to defeats by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and NRM-leaning independents.

Key NUP Seats Lost in Buganda

In Kawempe South: Vacated after incumbent Bashir Kazibwe declined to recontest following a fallout with NUP leadership. The eventual flagbearer, Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, lost the seat to NRM’s Madina Nsereko.

Nakawa East: NUP’s jailed flag bearer Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro lost the seat to NRM’s Fred Ruhindi. The incumbent, Eng Ronald Balimwezo, opted to contest for Kampala Lord Mayor.

In Wakiso District, NRM’s Kenan Opio defeated incumbent Charles Matovu (NUP) to take the Busiro South seat, while in Busiro North, Moses Mayanja (NRM) defeated Ronald Ssemaganda (NUP). The incumbent Paul Nsubuga had been denied the party ticket.

In Entebbe Municipality, Steven Shyaka Gashaija defeated Alice Namuli (NUP). Incumbent Michael Kakembo crossed to the Democratic Front.

In Greater Luweero, Allan Mayanja (Nakaseke Central) lost to State Minister for Kampala Kabuye Kyofatogabye (NRM), while Luttamaguzi Ssemakula also lost Nakaseke South to NRM’s Charles Nsereko Basajjassubi.

In Bukomansimbi District, all three NUP-held seats were lost (Veronica Nannyondo (Woman MP) to Sylvia Katushabe, Christine Ndiwalana (Bukomansimbi North) lost to NRM’s Salim Kiseka, while Solomon Kayemba (Bukomansimbi South) conceded defeat in the announced results.

In Butambala District, Aisha Kabanda (Woman MP) lost to independent Lydia Mirembe as veteran lawmaker Muwanga Kivumbi (County MP) lost to independent Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi.

Christine Kkaaya Nakimwero (Kiboga Woman MP) lost to Desire Muhooza (NRM), Hillary Kiyaga “Dr Hilderman” (Mawokota North) was defeated by former Minister Amelia Kyambadde, and Geoffrey Lutaaya (Kakuuto County) was defeated.

In Mityana District Mukisa Proscovia (NUP Woman MP Flag holder) lost to Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba (NRM). Incumbent Joyce Bagala had been denied the NUP ticket and opted to run as independent.

Other Notable Losses

• Kanyike Evans (Bukoto East)
• Sserubula Steven (Lugazi Municipality)
• Namugga Goretti (Mawogola South)
• Suzan Mugabi (Buvuma Woman MP)
• Flavia Nabagabe (Kassanda Woman MP)
• Frank Kabuye (Kassanda South)

But NUP Gains and Holds

Despite the losses, NUP gained in Buganda (with 6 seats flipped/retained). These include;

1. Kira Municipality: George Musisi defeated PFF’s Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda by 6,876 votes.
2. Kayunga District: Harriet Nakwedde (NUP) won.
3. Nakasongola County: Ivan Kyeyune (NUP) won.
4. Mukono South: Robert Maseruka (NUP) defeated DP’s Fred Kayondo.
5. Buikwe South: NUP defeated PFF’s Bayiga Lulume.
6. Mubende Municipality: NUP defeated NRM’s Lubega Bashir.

Similarly, in Busoga, NUP extended its reach beyond Buganda, winning at least seven seats in Busoga, consolidating itself as a key opposition force outside its traditional stronghold.

Big Picture

With 43 MPs in the 12th Parliament out of 459 territorial MPs, NUP remains a formidable opposition bloc despite the losses. While Buganda recorded significant erosion of its dominance, Busoga emerged as a critical new base, cushioning the numerical decline.

Political analysts say the results signal a rebalancing of power rather than a collapse of NUP influence, setting the stage for a more competitive and plural Parliament in the 2026–2031 term.