The nomination of candidates for division mayoral seats in Kampala and Masaka has been overshadowed by a political row between the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Electoral Commission, with the opposition party accusing the electoral body of deliberately locking out its aspirants.
In Makindye Division, Charles Lwanga Luba, the current Speaker, was duly nominated to contest for mayor as an independent candidate after being denied the NUP ticket. His decision to run in defiance of party directives has already stirred controversy within NUP, which discourages members from contesting against its endorsed flag bearers. Lwanga said his campaign will focus on roads, markets, and schools, stressing improved service delivery for both low and high-income earners.
In Masaka City, NUP managed to secure ground with the nomination of Moses Kibuuka as the party’s flag bearer for Kimanya-Kabonera Division. Kibuuka pledged to improve resource allocation and enhance healthcare, among other critical social services.
The Democratic Party (DP) also entered the fray, with Denis Lukanga Majwala nominated to contest for the Nyendo-Mukungwe Division mayoral seat. A former Mayor of Katwe-Butego Division (2016–2021), Majwala promised to draw on his leadership experience to improve sanitation and accelerate service delivery.
But as the campaign season gathers momentum, NUP has escalated its criticism of the Electoral Commission. Through its official handle, @NUP_Ug, the party accused the commission of blocking its LC5 chairperson aspirants in several districts. According to NUP, candidates were denied nomination on grounds of delayed verification, confiscated documents, and false claims of forged signatures.
Party officials say the actions are part of a wider scheme to weaken opposition participation in the 2026 General Election, raising fresh doubts about the credibility of the process.
The Electoral Commission is yet to respond to the allegations, but the dispute sets the stage for heightened political tensions as opposition candidates juggle nomination hurdles while campaigning to convince voters.