Stephen Kaweesa, widely known as the “NUP Commander,” has declared his intention to run as an independent candidate for the Nansana Municipality parliamentary seat. This announcement follows his failure to secure the National Unity Platform (NUP) party ticket.

Currently serving as the LC1 Chairperson of Katooke in Nansana Municipality, Kaweesa was in a tight race against media personality Zambali Bulasio Mukasa and singer Ibrahim Mayanja, popularly known as Big Eye. However, in the list recently published by the NUP’s Election Management Committee (EMC), the party’s parliamentary flag was handed to Zambali, a decision Kaweesa has openly challenged.

Kaweesa voiced dissatisfaction with the committee’s judgment, asserting that Mukasa is a newcomer to both the party and the country’s wider political landscape. He emphasized that Mukasa has neither held a leadership role within NUP nor demonstrated a history of community engagement.

“The EMC’s decision has left the people of Nansana Municipality with no choice,” Kaweesa stated. “For years, we have had leaders who have not contributed meaningfully to the area’s development.”

The current MP for Nansana Municipality, Wakayima Musoke of NUP, has not declared any intention to seek re-election.

Kaweesa explained that his choice to stand independently is inspired by NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, who famously contested and won the Kyadondo East by-election as an independent after being denied a party ticket. Although he is stepping outside the party line for this election, Kaweesa insisted that he still adheres to the core principles and values of the National Unity Platform.

To support his campaign, Kaweesa has already produced more than 45,000 posters and billboards, which are now prominently displayed across the constituency.

Echoing Kaweesa’s concerns, Joseph Ssemwanga, a resident of Kazo, revealed a similar experience. He said he was initially declared a party flag bearer, only for the decision to be reversed unexpectedly.

“The party is falling short on the democracy it preaches,” Ssemwanga remarked. “That’s why I’ve also decided to run as an independent — the ticket allocation process was biased in many areas.”

According to reports, more than 60 NUP members have submitted petitions to the party’s internal petitions committee, raising concerns about inconsistencies and alleged irregularities in the vetting and ticket distribution process.