Kampala, Uganda – The streets around Kamwokya briefly turned into a sea of red on Today afternoon as David Lewis Rubongoya, Secretary General of the National Unity Platform (NUP), received a thunderous welcome from supporters while submitting his expression of interest to contest for the Kampala Central MP seat in the 2026 General Election.
With chants of “People Power, Our Power!” echoing through the air, Rubongoya, the general secretary of NUP and right-hand man to party leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) stepped out of a modest convoy to scenes of jubilation outside the NUP headquarters.
Rubongoya is setting his sights on one of Uganda’s most-watched constituencies, currently represented by Muhammad Nsereko, an independent MP known for his controversial centrist positions and fierce individuality in Parliament.
“This is not just a political declaration; it is a duty to serve the people of Kampala Central with accountability, clarity, and conviction,” Rubongoya said during a brief address to his supporters. “We are building a city that belongs to all, not just the privileged few.”
Known for his legal brilliance and ideological discipline, Rubongoya has been the engine behind NUP’s policy frameworks and messaging strategies. His move from behind-the-scenes operative to frontline contender signals a bold new phase in the opposition’s 2026 strategy.
Political watchers note that Rubongoya’s decision to enter the electoral ring is both symbolic and tactical, bringing weight and visibility to a constituency that is both cosmopolitan and deeply contested.
“Rubongoya stepping in means the NUP is not playing games in Kampala. They’re coming for power seat by seat,” said analyst Amanda Nanyanzi.
Videos showing supporters singing, clapping, and waving placards bearing Rubongoya’s name as he approached the party offices to hand in his forms. Some wore branded NUP T-shirts, while others carried photos of Bobi Wine, linking the moment to a larger political cause.
“It’s time Kampala had an MP who speaks for the people, not for deals,” said Shamim Nakazibwe, a youth leader who marched from Owino Market to show her support.
The Kampala Central seat is a political hotspot, home to some of Uganda’s wealthiest business owners, most vibrant youth movements, and increasingly vocal urban poor. It’s a melting pot of classes, tribes, and political ideologies, and the battle for this seat in 2026 is expected to be one of the fiercest in the country.
Nsereko, who has held the seat since 2011, is widely regarded as a political maverick, sometimes aligning with government positions and at other times siding with the opposition.
Rubongoya’s declaration is part of a broader strategy by NUP to consolidate power in Uganda’s major urban centers especially Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, and Jinja, where the party enjoys overwhelming youth support.
With the opposition still recovering from 2021’s post-election fatigue, insiders say NUP is deploying its most trusted generals into critical constituencies to galvanize its base.
Having submitted his expression of interest, Rubongoya will now undergo the NUP’s internal vetting process. If endorsed, he will face off with other contenders in a primary before preparing to battle for the Kampala MP seat.
Also read: Democratic Front Party Opens Electoral Commission Office for 2026 Aspirants
