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Legislators

NUP's Nakandi Withdraws from Kampala Woman MP Race Amid Irregularities Allegations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

NUP Member Irene Nalumu Winifred Nakandi has formally withdrawn from the party's contest for the Kampala Woman Member of Parliament seat, citing irregularities in the party's selection process. Nakandi had been a contender for the position alongside incumbent Shamim Malende, Kampala City Council Authority Speaker Zahara Luyirika, and Agnes Namagembe. According to Nakandi, the party's vetting process has been marred by bias, with only Malende and Luyirika given an audience during closed-door meetings convened by party leaders. Nakandi's withdrawal underscores growing concerns within the NUP ranks about the management of internal contests, potentially raising questions about the party's ability to maintain internal democracy without alienating sections of its membership.

Key Takeaways:

  • NUP's Irene Nalumu Winifred Nakandi has formally withdrawn from the party's contest for the Kampala Woman Member of Parliament seat due to alleged irregularities in the party's selection process.
  • Nakandi accused the party's vetting process of being biased, with only incumbent Shamim Malende and Kampala City Council Authority Speaker Zahara Luyirika given equal opportunity, while she and other aspirants were sidelined.
  • NUP Deputy President for Buganda Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, and Electoral Commission chairperson Harriet Chemutai have cautioned Malende and Luyirika against smear campaigns and blackmail, warning of potential disqualification if they fail to observe party discipline.
  • Nakandi's withdrawal has narrowed the field of contenders, leaving Malende and Luyirika as the most prominent candidates for the position.
  • The NUP's internal democracy is under scrutiny as the party begins its parliamentary vetting process on Monday next week, with Nakandi's representative expressing concern that her voice was not heard during vetting meetings.
  • NUP is Uganda's largest opposition party, and concerns about its internal contests may impact its ability to maintain internal democracy without alienating sections of its membership.

Statistics:

  • Three candidates - Irene Nalumu Winifred Nakandi, Shamim Malende, and Zahara Luyirika - had been vying for NUP's Kampala Woman Member of Parliament seat.
  • Eight individuals are said to be contesting for seats at the NUP's national executive positions according to party insiders.
  • NUP member Harriet Chemutai announced the party will begin its parliamentary vetting process on Monday next week.
  • Uganda's opposition NUP has other notable members, among them Deputy President for Buganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and the party's Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya.

Sources:

  • Nile Post. 2025. "NUP's Nakandi Withdraws from Kampala Woman MP Race Amid Irregularities Allegations" allAfrica.com.

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