The National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Election Management Committee has announced it will commence the vetting process for its parliamentary flag bearers next week, starting on Monday, September 15, 2025.
The vetting process is a two-tier system, with a candidate’s final score based on 40 per cent performance before the vetting committees and 60 per cent from grassroots consultations.
This process is designed to ensure the party fields the most qualified candidates for the 2026 general elections. The commission’s previous vetting for local government positions had faced criticism over alleged corruption and unfairness. Addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Kavule, committee chairperson Harriet Chemutai stated that the vetting will run from September 15 to September 21.
She instructed all prospective candidates to arrive at the party offices by 8:00 a.m. with their expression of interest forms, National IDs, party membership cards, and original or certified academic documents.
According to the vetting schedule, the process will begin on September 15 with Wakiso district, West Nile, and the Kigezi region. This will be followed by Kampala, Acholi, and Ankole regions on the 16th.
Greater Masaka, Lango, and Tooro will be vetted on the 17th, followed by Greater Mpigi, Karamoja, and Bunyoro on the 18th. The process will conclude with Greater Mukono, Sebei, Teso, and Rwenzori on the 19th, and finally, Greater Mubende, Bugisu, Greater Luwero, and Busoga on the 20th and 21st, respectively.
John Mary Ssebuufu, the Central Region committee coordinator, urged NUP members who did not secure party cards to refrain from running as independents.
“We’re all in this together to remove the current regime, back your colleagues who succeeded, and if you didn’t, remember that patience is key in our struggle,” he said.
“Unity is our strength, let’s not destroy each other.” Ssebuufu also lamented the recent arrests of NUP aspirants, including Alex Mufumbiro, who is currently in Luzira Prison, noting that such incidents are happening at a critical time as the vetting process begins.
