Ssegona Quits NUP; Announces Independent Bid
Busiro East legislator, Medard Lubega Ssegona has announced that he will contest as an independent candidate in the 2026 general elections after his National Unity Platform (NUP) denied him the flag.
The flag was instead handed to singer Mathias Walukaga.
Following his failure to retain the flag, Ssegona called a consultative meeting with his supporters to forge a way forward.
The meeting which took place at Ssegona’s home on Wednesday resolved that he contests as an independent candidate in a bid to retain his parliamentary seat.
According to the NUP Constitution, any member who contests as an independent candidate loses party membership.
Following his decision to go independent, Ssegona announced that he has quit the opposition party.
“Soon, we will launch our manifesto. Previously, I didn’t release my manifesto because I contested on a party ticket. This time, I have been denied a party card. I therefore quit the party,” he said.
The issuance of NUP party flags to candidates has sparked huge debates online and in the general public.
Some of the highly educated and experienced aspirants have been denied party flag.
NUP speaks out
The NUP explained that the selection process prioritized candidates with strong grassroots support over those relying mainly on academic qualifications or political experience.
John Mary Ssebuwufu, a member of the NUP elections management committee said that ground support accounted for 60 percent of the assessment for anyone seeking the NUP flag. Many aspirants, including Ssegona failed on this front.
“The technical aspect (including education and political experience) makes up 40 percent. You may excel in the technical aspect, but if you are not on ground, it is difficult to secure the ticket,” Ssebuwufu said.
Other aspirants who were denied ticket include; the incumbent Mityana Woman MP, Joyce Bagala.
Ssegona said he is not bitter at NUP for denying him the flag.
By ChimpReports
