By National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya has offered clarity amid rising discontent over the selection of local government flag bearers, announcing a structured appeals system to address complaints.
Rubongoya revealed that a special two-day Disputes Resolution Committee, led by Dr. Moses Kanaabi, has been established to handle contestations from party aspirants who were not nominated for flag bearer positions. “It is normal for some members within the party to not be happy, especially when they miss out on our cards,” he told reporters, stressing the fairness of the process.
He emphasized that the committee—comprising four members—will scrutinize grievances arising solely from the local government primary results. The committee’s mandate is limited to a strict two-day period intended to promote efficient resolution of internal conflicts.
NUP has also initiated nominations for other local government posts. In Kampala, Rubongoya is personally overseeing the nomination process for city mayor positions, while Deputy Secretary General Aisha Kabanda is managing the process in Wakiso. Other regions’ nominations will be handled by district registrars acting on behalf of the party.
The release of local flag bearer lists has ignited accusations of patronage and biased selection within NUP’s ranks. Observers point to high-profile nominees, including allies of NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), who have sparked speculation about preferential treatment. NUP’s deputy spokesperson, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, has dismissed such claims, insisting that proximity to party leadership had no bearing on selections and labeling such speculation as “propaganda.”
Rubongoya further distinguished the process for presidential flag bearer selection from that for other elective positions, explaining that the presidential ticket follows a separate, more stringent procedure as outlined in the party constitution.
