Written By |
Fredrick Kakiika, a resident from Kyebando West came to represent Kyebando Nsoba zone in the division council and verified for such. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Search
By Milton Niinga
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially launched the nomination of candidates at all levels as part of its internal electoral process to identify flag bearers for the 2026 general elections, where the party will face off with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and other opposition forces. 
Bran Duuki Apito, the MP aspirant for Koboko Municipality was turned away with his original academic documents without UNEB certification as required. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
The exercise followed a statement by Eddie Kayabula, Secretary of the NUP Electoral Management Committee, inviting expressions of interest from qualified individuals seeking to represent NUP in various elective positions including Members of Parliament, district chairpersons, city and municipal mayors, local councils, and lower local government offices at the grassroots level.
“Aspirants were required to submit duly signed nomination forms along with supporting documents such as a valid national ID, a NUP membership card, and certified academic documents,” said Harriet Chemtai, Chairperson of the Electoral Management Committee.
The nomination exercise, which began on Monday morning at 9 a.m., saw a number of area councillors, division councillors, mayors, and MP hopefuls return their forms or express interest, with several candidates presenting certified academic copies from secondary schools and universities.
Councillors nominated
Ivan Mulumba, a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management graduate from Makerere University Business School (MUBS), and a resident of Mutungo Cell, was nominated to contest as the Direct Municipal Councillor for Mutungo Ward in Ssabagabo–Makindye Municipality, Wakiso District.
Rashid Lukwago, 40, who holds a Master’s Degree in Rural Development from Makerere University (2021), was nominated to run for LCIII Councillor for Nakivubo Parish, Kampala Central.
“I’m currently a businessman selling motor spare parts. I earned my first degree in Education from Makerere but couldn’t find a job. I later upgraded my studies in rural development with the aim of helping vulnerable communities,” Lukwago said.
Forms of expression of interest being scrutinised by electoral management committee vice chair John Mary Ssebuufu at NUP Makerere Kavule offices. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Fredrick Kakiika, a resident of Kyebando West, submitted his nomination to represent Kyebando–Nsoba Zone, Katale Zone, and Central Zone as Division Councillor.
In Kiteezi–Lusanja Cell, Kasangati Sub-county, Kyadondo East Constituency, Haruna Ssengendo Ssebagala expressed interest in the LCIII seat.
“My highest level of education is primary, but I have an advantage. I received a certificate from the NUP School of Leadership, which equipped me with the skills to take on this role,” Ssebagala noted.
MP aspirants rejected over uncertified documents
Chemtai confirmed that several MP aspirants were turned away after failing to present certified academic documents, a key requirement under the Parliamentary Elections Act.
“As per the guidelines, MP aspirants must present certified copies of their academic documents. So far, none have met this requirement. We have advised them to go to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) to verify their papers,” she said.
The nominations will continue until June 23, 2026.
Chemtai added that UNEB certification requires proof of payment of Shs 50,000, which many aspirants had not prepared for at the time of their appearance.
Among those turned away was Katikamu North MP, Denes Sekabira, who arrived without signed forms or certified documents. “I came to pick nomination forms and express interest. I’ll verify my documents with UNEB and return with the signed paperwork,” he explained.
Former Agago MP aspirant, Winnie Okidi, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from Makerere University, was also rejected after panicking when asked for certified documents.
“I first went to Makerere’s Senate Building for my transcript, but there was no internet connection to verify my details in the system. I didn’t bring my O’ and A’ Level certificates because I assumed the degree alone was sufficient,” Okidi said. She pledged to verify with UNEB before returning to Ligi-Ligi East, Lapelebong Sub-county, Agago District.
Former Agago MP aspirant, Winnie Okidi with her Bachelors Degree of Arts in Social Sciences from Makerere University was driven away without certified documents. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Bran Duuki Apito, an MP aspirant for Koboko Municipality, was also rejected for presenting original academic documents without UNEB certification, as required by the law.
“This is my first time contesting, but I’ve been an active member of NUP since the 'Togikwatako' campaign,” Apito said, referencing the movement against the lifting of the presidential age limit.
Fake documents a recurring issue
Presenting fake academic documents has been a recurring issue among MP aspirants. In the 10th Parliament, several MPs, including Peter Ssematimba (Busiro South), Rehema Watongola (Kamuli Municipality), Charles Okello Engola (Oyam North and former State Minister for Defence), and Peter Mugema (Iganga Municipality) were removed from Parliament after court rulings nullified their elections due to academic fraud.
Torch Media Africa
