Independent Candidates Emerge as NRM, NUP Restrict Party Endorsement

NUP aspirants denied the party’s flag for LC3 Chairpersons are running as independents, criticising the biased nomination process.

Kampala, Uganda – The nomination process for Local Council Three (LC3) Chairpersons has commenced across various divisions in Uganda, with a notable number of former National Unity Platform (NUP) aspirants who were denied the party’s flag opting to run as independent candidates. These candidates have criticized the flagship issuance process, alleging it was biased and based on personal interests rather than merit.

Among them is Lilian Tumusherire Nansamba, who had hoped to secure the NUP ticket for Lubya Parish. After being sidelined, she decided to contest independently using a chair as her symbol. She expressed frustration with the party’s internal processes, which she claims lacked transparency and fairness.

Shamim Nabiddo Kaaya, another aspiring candidate for Lubya Division, also chose to run as an independent after failing to secure the NUP flag. She adopted a watch as her symbol and criticized senior party members for alleged connivance during the selection process. Kaaya, who believes she was the best legislator in Rubaga Division, described the experience as disappointing and unjust.

In contrast, John Baptist Segirinya, who successfully secured the NUP ticket for Busega B, dismissed the allegations made by independent candidates as “false and baseless.” He urged authorities to arrest and charge anyone who claimed to have paid for the party ticket, labeling such practices as corruption. Segirinya emphasized that his victory was legitimate and reflected his strong support among constituents.
The nomination exercise, which began this morning at Rubaga Division, experienced technical challenges due to a system breakdown, causing significant delays. Aspiring candidates were forced to wait for hours, prompting security personnel to restrict entry to those who arrived late.
The three-day nomination process will conclude soon, after which the Electoral Commission will shift its focus to other activities, including presidential nominations.