By National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi has accused the government of orchestrating a deliberate scheme to sideline his party’s candidates, following the Electoral Commission’s cancellation of NUP’s Nebbi Woman MP nominee, Abedican Mercy Rebecca.
In a statement posted on his X account, Kyagulanyi said nearly 20 NUP candidates nationwide are facing similar threats from what he described as “regime operatives.” He alleged that supporters who endorsed NUP candidates are being abducted, intimidated, and later paraded before the Electoral Commission to deny ever signing the nomination forms.
He said the same approach was used in Nebbi, where two men who appeared on Abedican’s supporter list later disowned their signatures. The EC said this rendered her nomination invalid and subsequently announced Energy State Minister Phiona Nyamutooro as the unopposed candidate for the Nebbi Woman MP seat.
Kyagulanyi criticised the Electoral Commission, saying its handling of the matter reflected partisanship. He argued that the state had earlier blocked funds to NUP, hampering its ability to pay nomination fees, and had also disqualified several NUP aspirants in districts such as Bukedea, Mitooma, and Buyende.
He warned EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama that “the world is watching,” adding that NUP is pursuing legal avenues to challenge the decisions. Kyagulanyi said only political change can end what he called “criminality” against the opposition.
The incident in Nebbi comes at a time when a number of ruling NRM candidates have been declared unopposed across the country. They include former government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo for Older Persons (Eastern Region), Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba for Mityana District Woman MP, Mafabi Asha Nabulo for Sironko District Woman MP, Bernard Ochieng for Tororo Municipality Mayor, and Salim Uhuru for Kampala Central Division Mayor.
Kyagulanyi said these developments show a growing pattern that undermines fair competition ahead of the 2026 general elections. The Electoral Commission has not yet responded to his allegations.
