Following a comprehensive vetting exercise concluded two weeks ago, the National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially unveiled its list of parliamentary flagbearers for the 2026 general elections. The announcement made by Election Management Committee chairperson Harriet Chemutai, reflects what she described as a strategic reshuffle aimed at "tightening the party’s grip" ahead of the polls.

Several well-known incumbents have been dropped in a move signaling a shift within the party. In a notable change in Wakiso District’s Busiro East, long-serving legislator Medard Lubega Sseggona has been replaced by singer-turned-politician Mathias Walukagga. Similarly, in Mityana, Woman MP Joyce Bagala lost the party flag to Mukisa Proscovia.

The Makindye constituencies have also seen significant changes. Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko gives way to Ali Kasirye Nganda Mulyannyama, while in Makindye West, Allan Ssewanyana has been replaced by Zahrah Maala Luyirika. Further shifts include Aloysius Mukasa stepping aside in Lubaga South for Nassolo Euginia, Kazibwe Bashir losing Kawempe South to Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, and Kiwanuka Sulaiman replacing Fred Ssimbwa in Nakifuma County.

Despite these changes, several Kampala-based political heavyweights have retained their positions. Shamim Malende remains the party’s Woman MP candidate for Kampala, with Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro continuing in Nakawa East, Joel Ssenyonyi in Nakawa West, Abubaker Kawalya in Lubaga North, and David Lewis Rubongoya in Kampala Central.

In Mukono District, incumbents Betty Nambooze Bakireke and Abdallah Kiwanuka maintain their slots, while newcomer Robert Maseruka takes up the flag for Mukono South. However, the Woman MP position for the district is still pending reevaluation.

In Buikwe District, Sserubula Stephen keeps Lugazi Municipality, Kanaabi Jimmy holds Buikwe South, and Musanje Moses Lukanga takes Njeru Municipality. Meanwhile, in Kayunga, Harriet Nakwedde and Tebandeke Charles remain flagbearers for the district Woman MP and Bbaale County, respectively. Ssali Frederick Kafeero and Nsanja Patrick have been nominated for Ntenjeru North and South.

Kiboga’s Christine Nakimwero Kkaaya keeps her seat as district Woman MP candidate. In neighboring Mityana, Lukyamuzi David Kalwanga (Busujju County) and Zaake Francis Butebi (Mityana Municipality) retain their party flags.

In Kassanda District, both Flavia Nabagabe (Woman MP) and Frank Kabuye (Kassanda South) have been maintained. Butambala sees no change, with Aisha Kabanda and Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi remaining in place. Gomba’s Gomba East MP, Ssaazi Godfrey, also stays on as flagbearer.

Mpigi District’s Mawokota North MP, musician Hilary Kiyaga (Hilderman), keeps his place, while Mawokota South will be represented by current district chairperson Ssejjemba Martin. The Woman MP seat for Mpigi, however, is still under review.

In the islands, Mugabi Suzan (Buvuma Woman MP) and Nakimuli Hellen (Kalangala) will once again contest on the NUP ticket.

Kalungu District sees Ssewungu Joseph Gonzaga hold onto Kalungu West, while Kiruuta Yusuf replaces Francis Katabaazi Katongole in Kalungu East. In Masaka, Joan Namutaawe (Woman MP) and Kanyike Evans (Bukoto East) are retained, but high-profile MPs Dr. Abed Bwanika and Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba have been replaced. Patrick Kuteesa takes over in Kimanya Kabonera, and Lubowa Ssebina Gyaviira in Nyendo Mukungwe.

In Bukomansimbi, Veronica Nannyondo keeps the Woman MP flag, and Kayemba Geoffrey Solo retains Bukomansimbi South. However, Nsereko Kayongo replaces Christine Ndiwalana in Bukomansimbi North.

Wakiso District will continue with Naluyima Ethel (Woman MP), Muwada Nkunyingi (Kyadondo East), David Sserukenya (Makindye Ssabagabo), and Matovu Charles (Busiro South). New faces in the district include George Musisi for Kira Municipality, Nabatta Namuli Joyce for Entebbe Municipality, Ssemaganda Ronald for Busiro North, and Zambali Bulasio Mukasa for Nansana Municipality.

In Luweero, all incumbents—Brenda Nabukenya (Woman MP), Hassan Kirumira (Katikamu South), Robert Ssekitooleko (Bamunanika), and Denis Ssekabira (Katikamu North)—have been retained. Likewise, Nakaseke District remains unchanged, with Luttamaguzi Ssemakula Paulson and Allan Mayanja keeping their flags for Central and South constituencies.

The NUP secured 57 parliamentary seats in the 2021 elections, with all but two located in the Buganda region.