The Mukono District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Hanifah Nabukeera, has announced her decision to quit the National Unity Platform (NUP) and contest as an independent candidate for the Mukono Municipality parliamentary seat in the 2026 general elections.
Nabukeera’s declaration marks a major political twist in Mukono’s political landscape, as she prepares to challenge Hon. Betty Nambooze Bakireke, the incumbent MP, who recently retained the NUP ticket for the same position.
Addressing journalists at her residence in Lumuli Goma division, Mukono municipality, Nabukeera said her decision stems from dissatisfaction with the NUP vetting process, which she described as unfair and compromised. She accused the party’s top leadership of sidelining loyal members and awarding flags to recent defectors from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The legislator noted that despite filing an appeal with the NUP secretariat, no response was given, which prompted her to go independent.
While declaring her independence, Nabukeera emphasised that she still supports the struggle for a new Uganda under NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), saying her departure from the party does not mean abandoning the cause for change.
Responding to claims that her move was a personal vendetta against Hon. Nambooze, Nabukeera dismissed the allegations, saying her choice to run in Mukono Municipality was based on residence and service delivery, not revenge.
Nabukeera’s supporters, led by Arafat Ssenyonjo, said they would rally behind her candidacy to end what they called the “political monopoly” of Hon. Nambooze in Mukono Municipality.
Nabukeera joins a growing list of contenders for the Mukono Municipality seat, which is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the central region. Others in the race include:
- Hon. Betty Nambooze Bakireke – incumbent (NUP)
- Rev. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa – independent
- Hanifah Nabukeera – independent
- Andrew Ssenyonga – independent
- Dr Sarah Daisy Ssonko Nabatanzi – NRM
- Allan Mawanda – Democratic Front
If elected, Nabukeera says her focus will be on strengthening service delivery, empowering women and youth, and improving health and education infrastructure across Mukono.
