Masaka City, Uganda – National Unity Platform (NUP) elections committee has kicked off a vetting exercise in Masaka to streamline the party’s representation in the upcoming 2026 General Election.
The event, currently taking place at the Social Center in Masaka City, is aimed at identifying the strongest and most capable contenders for various local government positions.
According to NUP Elections Committee Chairperson Harriet Chemutai, the process is designed to eliminate internal competition that could weaken the party’s performance.
“Our goal is to have one solid candidate per position so that we can present a united front. This vetting is not about sidelining anyone, it is about ensuring our party fields its best candidates,” Chemutai told reporters.
Chemutai revealed that the vetting exercise will assess aspirants based on proven leadership experience, commitment to the party’s values and manifesto, community support and grassroots mobilization skills
She emphasized that the process will be transparent, merit-based, and consultative, involving input from local party leaders and community representatives.
NUP Head of Mobilisation for the Masaka region, Charles Kirumira, said the exercise is part of the party’s broader strategy to avoid vote-splitting.
“In previous elections, having multiple NUP candidates in the same race gave our opponents an advantage. This time, we are correcting that mistake by building consensus early,” Kirumira explained.
Kirumira added that Masaka is a critical stronghold for the party, and the leadership is determined to consolidate support there.
Masaka, located in Uganda’s central region, has been a hotbed of political activity, especially for opposition parties. In 2021, NUP made significant electoral gains in the area, winning multiple parliamentary and local council seats.
With the 2026 elections approaching, both National Resistance Movement (NRM) and other opposition groups, including the Democratic Party (DP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), are expected to mount strong campaigns to reclaim or expand their influence in the region.
Several aspirants who turned up for the vetting welcomed the process.
“This is the best way to avoid confusion and division. If I’m chosen, I will work for the people. If not, I will still support the party’s choice.”
However, some party members have quietly expressed concerns about possible favoritism, urging the elections committee to remain neutral and uphold fairness.
The vetting exercise in Masaka is expected to run for several days, after which the final list of NUP candidates for local positions will be announced. Similar exercises will be rolled out in other districts across Uganda in the coming months.
Chemutai stressed that the selection process will not only strengthen NUP’s chances in 2026 but also enhance unity and discipline within the party ranks.
“We want the people of Uganda to see NUP as a party of order, planning, and credible leadership,” she concluded.
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