By BM
Uganda’s political landscape is heating up as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) delivers a blunt message: “We don’t take in failed opposition politicians.”
This stance emerges amid growing frustration within the National Unity Platform (NUP), where many hopeful candidates have been denied party tickets ahead of the 2026 elections.
Among those stepping back is Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko, a once-vocal NUP parliamentarian, who has announced he will not seek re-election, a surprising retreat from the opposition’s ranks.
While disillusioned NUP members seek alternative political homes, the NRM is firmly closing its doors.
“We concluded our internal elections openly and fairly,” said Ambassador James Kinobe, a senior NRM official. “We do not absorb those rejected by other parties. Our systems are strong and transparent.”
Kinobe’s remarks were a clear jab at NUP, which has been criticized for secretive candidate selection, contradicting its earlier promises of openness.
He spoke during the Luganda version of the address by NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi at the party’s 2025 electoral roadmap briefing on Kyadondo Road.
As the NRM shuts its gates, smaller parties like the Democratic Front (DF) are rolling out the welcome mat.
Led by Mathias Mpuuga, the DF is actively courting rejected NUP hopefuls, such as Sauda Madada, offering campaign support with no financial strings attached.
“We only ask for loyalty and hard work,” said DF Chairman Lubega Mukaaku. “If you were denied nominations elsewhere, come and pick our forms.”
Meanwhile, NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is shaking things up by reaching out to former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.
At the recent launch of new NUP offices in Iganga, Bobi Wine urged Kadaga to leave the NRM, pointing to her sidelining despite years of service.
Kadaga recently lost a prominent party position to Speaker Anita Among, a move widely seen as influenced by President Museveni.
Bobi Wine promised Kadaga respect, influence, and visibility should she join NUP. So far, Kadaga has remained silent.
In another shift, Kira Municipality Mayor Julius Nsubuga Mutebi has crossed to the Peoples Front for Freedom (PFF) after being denied a NUP ticket.
Meanwhile, the once-dominant Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) struggles to maintain relevance as it scrambles to attract fresh candidates ahead of 2026.
As Uganda’s political drama unfolds, some parties fiercely guard their talent, others scavenge for leftovers, and a few fight simply to survive.
The road to 2026 is noisy and the real battle has only just begun. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
