By BM
The highly anticipated nominations for Uganda’s 2026 general elections kicked off with confusion, frustration, and unexpected twists at the Electoral Commission offices in Ntinda, Kampala.
On the first day alone, 44 candidates were nominated for various local government positions in Kampala.
But what should have been a smooth and organized process quickly turned chaotic as long delays, double payments, and political infighting took center stage.
Among the nominated candidates, independents dominated the day with 21 candidates, signaling growing cracks within major political parties.
The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) followed with 15, while the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) had only 3.
People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) registered 2, and 3 came from special interest groups.
While candidates arrived early, many spent hours waiting in long queues due to a painfully slow verification process.
By the 6 PM closing time, some had still not been cleared.
The Kampala District Returning Officer, Rashid Hasakya, admitted that the process faced delays and promised better organization in the coming days.
But the real storm came from within NUP itself, once considered a united opposition force.
Long-time party loyalists and flag bearer hopefuls denied official party backing are now breaking ranks and running as independents.
The biggest shock of the day came when Sauda Madada, a top party figure and one of NUP’s most trusted security operatives, arrived at the nomination center, not with a party ticket, but as an independent candidate for the Kampala Central Lord Councilor (LCIV) seat.
Known for her fierce loyalty to party president Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), Madada has faced arrests, tear gas, and threats while defending NUP’s values.
Her decision to run independently has sent shockwaves through the party.
But Madada insists she hasn’t turned her back on NUP. “NUP is still my party. Standing as an independent does not mean I’ve left,” she said, addressing reporters after submitting her papers.
She revealed that it was voter pressure that pushed her to run. “The people collected the signatures and urged me to contest. I had no choice but to answer their call.”
Her move, however, means she automatically loses party membership under NUP’s constitution.
Yet, she remains unapologetic. “This is about serving Kampala, not politics,” she added.
She’s not alone. Richard Ssembatya, the current councilor for Makindye West 4, also ran as an independent after losing the NUP ticket.
His campaign is now focused on improving garbage collection in the area, a pressing concern for residents.
The discontent within NUP stems from allegations of bias, favoritism, and corruption during the party’s selection of flag bearers.
Several well-known, popular, and grassroots-connected candidates say they were unfairly denied tickets, sparking a wave of independent bids.
Political observers warn that if the trend continues, NUP risks splitting its voter base and losing ground in its battle against the ruling party.
Meanwhile, other candidates expressed anger over double nomination fees, saying they were forced to pay both to KCCA and URA, with no clear guidance from the Electoral Commission. “It’s confusing and unfair. We’re trying to serve the people, not be punished for it,” said one frustrated aspirant.
Despite the chaos, a few high-profile candidates were successfully nominated under their party banners.
Among them was Godfrey Luyombya, NUP’s flag bearer for Nakawa West, who vowed to fight double taxation on property and push for more decentralized governance.
Umar Magala, also of NUP, secured his nomination to contest for the Kawempe North II Lord Councilor seat.
The nomination period for district and city chairpersons and councilors runs from September 3 to 5.
The next phase for municipality and city division councilors will take place from September 8 to 10, followed by sub-county and town council nominations from September 11 to 24.
Meanwhile, the presidential nomination is set for September 23–24, and parliamentary candidates will be nominated in mid-October.
But as day one wrapped up, it was clear: this election season is off to a stormy start.
With internal divisions, poor coordination, and voter frustration building, the road to 2026 may be more turbulent than ever. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
