A storm is brewing within the National Unity Platform (NUP) as questions arise about fairness in the vetting process for selecting party flag bearers ahead of the 2026 elections.
According to recent statements by a senior party official, financial contributions to the ongoing NUP fundraising campaign may now play a central role in determining who receives the coveted party endorsement.
While speaking to journalists at the party headquarters in Makerere Kavule on Monday August 4, 2025, John Mary Ssebuwufu, the Vice Chairperson of the NUP Election Management Committee (EMC) for Buganda, stated that a candidate’s financial commitment to the party fundraising drive is now a key consideration during vetting.
“It’s true we are considering loyalty and popularity on the ground,” Ssebuwufu said, “but candidates must also demonstrate financial support to the party and the ability to fund their own campaigns.”
His remarks have sparked concern and confusion among several party hopefuls, many of whom feel this contradicts the party’s original position that nominations are free of charge and that flag bearers would be chosen purely on merit and grassroots support.
John Bosco Sserunkuma, also known as Kaana Kambata, was initially eyeing the MP seat for Nansana Municipality but later opted to run for Mayor instead. He said the financial pressure was too much.
“My opponent, Zambali Bulasio, had already contributed significantly to the fundraising drive. I couldn’t match that amount, and I knew it would cost me the party card. So, I stepped aside and switched to another position,” he explained.
Similarly, Sylivia Namutyaba, the NUP Youth Leader for Buganda and a candidate for Wakiso Woman MP, expressed her frustration. She argued that young, grassroots party members are being pushed out by wealthier contenders.
“I’ve been loyal, working at the secretariat and moving with our party president in the field,” she said. “But now, I’m being told that unless I outspend the current MP, I don’t stand a chance. That’s unfair and discouraging.”
Namutyaba fears that Hon. Ethel Naluyima, the incumbent MP with more financial muscle, has an advantage—not because of her popularity, but because of her ability to donate more to the campaign.
“They should have told us money was a requirement before encouraging us to pick forms and get nominated,” Namutyaba added.
On June 2, 2025, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya publicly stated that nominations were free and that the party flag was not for sale. He emphasized that merit, loyalty, and grassroots connection would be the only criteria for awarding party endorsement.
However, Ssebuwufu’s recent comments appear to contradict that position, leaving many within the party base disillusioned.
“This is starting to look like the party card is going to the highest bidder,” said a concerned party member who preferred anonymity. “That’s not the democracy we joined NUP to fight for.”
With the 2026 elections approaching, pressure is mounting on the NUP leadership to clarify the criteria for flag bearers. Members are calling for transparency and consistency in the selection process to avoid internal divisions and accusations of elitism.
As the party that has built its reputation on defending the oppressed and promoting equality, NUP may now need to reflect on how its fundraising efforts align with its founding principles—especially for the thousands of young supporters who see the party as a vehicle for genuine change.
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