After being denied nomination cards, a wave of strong National Unity Platform politicians are defying party rules to run as independents. They claim internal vetting was biased and favoring certain candidates, despite strong grassroots support.

Common Man’s Party president Mubarak Munyagwa has proclaimed himself Uganda’s next leader, saying he has multiple plans to unseat Museveni and beat rivals.

Former Bukedde TV presenter Flavia Namulindwa clarifies that her Gomba school was built to serve the community, not for political gain, as she prepares to contest for Gomba District Woman MP under NUP.

Singer A Pass has clarified his political position, saying he supports Bobi Wine as a person but not necessarily the National Unity Platform. The “Chupa Ku Chupa” star emphasized that his loyalty lies in ideas and policies rather than parties or politicians. A Pass also criticized Uganda’s “group thinking” political culture, insisting he prefers independence of thought over blind loyalty.

Former Kawempe Councilor Aidah Nakuya has voiced her frustration over the National Unity Platform’s vetting process, claiming she was unfairly dropped from the final list of parliamentary flag bearers despite performing well in interviews. Speaking on Radio 4, Nakuya questioned the criteria used in selecting candidates and hinted at possible favoritism and nepotism, after the Gomba Woman MP flag was handed to Bobi Wine’s sister, Betty Ssentamu.

Hon. Mathias Mpuuga has lashed out at NUP, calling it a “child’s party” as he seeks re-election for Nyendo–Mukungwe MP. He urged his supporters to stay disciplined and united amid ongoing political provocation.

Pallaso says the Uganda National Musicians Federation operates like a Parliament of musicians, separate from politics, and calls on artists to put their political differences aside for the good of the industry.

Comedian Patrick Salvado Idringi has spoken out on why he’s not part of Bobi Wine’s political struggle, saying he refuses to be anyone’s puppet and that everyone views Uganda differently.

NUP’s David Lewis Rubongoya says the IPOD law was crafted to target his party, accusing Minister Norbert Mao of blocking legal processes to deny them funding. Despite the setbacks, Rubongoya insists NUP remains strong, relying on public donations to sustain its operations.

Makindye West legislator Hon. Allan Ssewanyana has announced his intention to seek re-election as an independent candidate after being denied the NUP ticket. Speaking at St. Peter’s Nsambya, Ssewanyana said he remains young, capable, and confident of reclaiming his seat in 2026.

Basalirwa dismisses Bobi Wine’s claims of hypocrisy, citing his efforts defending Muslims accused of ADF links, lobbying $20M for Bugiri Hospital, and championing key bills in Parliament.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially rejoined the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) after signing a new MoU under a revised law requiring all parties with MPs to participate. NUP Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya said the move was reluctant and legally driven, emphasizing that it doesn’t signify a shift in the party’s principles. The decision also follows financial struggles as government funding is now tied to IPOD membership.