David Lewis Rubongoya, NUP’s Secretary General is to stand as MP in Kampala Central
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Kampala’s Nakawa division is simmering with political as the National Unity Platform (NUP) is managing its endorsement process for the 2026 candidates ahead of the general elections.
This comes on the heels of Godfrey Luyombya’s withdrawal from the Nakawa Division mayoral race.
Luyombya, who serves as the Speaker of Nakawa, was elected to the division as a Lord councillor during the 2021 general elections while representing the NUP. As a result, he was chosen by his colleagues to be the Speaker of the council.
He was expected to contest the Mayoral position but he withdrew recently in favour of Buken Ali, also known as Nubian Li.
Nubian Li has been a close friend and fellow musician of Bobi Wine for over twenty years. In his statement, Godfrey Luyombya expressed gratitude to those who believed in and voted for him in his current positions.
“As you are aware friends, I had presented myself to contest for the position of Mayor Nakawa Division Urban Council during the forthcoming general elections, I thank you for championing my campaign and the concrete support conferred upon me which has energized us every coming day as we kept in service,” he said.
He added: “We entered several engagements with senior leaders in my Political Party and other stakeholders to harmonize. Upon all the procedural discussions, I found it prudent to withdraw from the race in the interest of harmony and cohesion. This is a heavy decision to make as a team and myself for we have journeyed a successful tenure, however as a leader, I am supposed to show the spirit of leadership.”
“Conclusively, I remain a committed member of the National Unity Platform Political party. So help me God.”=
Democracy questioned
Some observers have questioned the principles of democracy within NUP.
On various other instances, candidates such as Umar Magala, had to step aside in favour of Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi’s during the Kawempe North by-election.
In the Makindye West constituency, David Musiri was reportedly asked by Bobi Wine to withdraw from the parliamentary race to support Ali Mulyanyama, the mayor of Makindye Ssabagabo. Musiri was allegedly advised to pursue a lord councilor position instead.
In other areas, including Kampala Central (David Lewis Rubongoya), Kampala Mayor (Ronald Balimwezo), and Kawempe South (Chairman Nyanzi), candidates affiliated with Bobi Wine have already secured tickets, leading to further questioning of the democratic process within the opposition party.
