By Our Reporter
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially announced its lineup of parliamentary flagbearers for the 2026 general elections, sparking excitement, shock, and disappointment—particularly across Uganda’s entertainment industry.
The list, released by the party’s Election Management Committee, confirmed several entertainers who successfully secured tickets, while others were edged out despite vigorous campaigns.
Musician-turned-politician Geoffrey Lutaaya retained his flag for Kakuuto Constituency, while comedian Muyonjo Hussein (Swengere) emerged as NUP’s choice for Jinja North. Singer-legislator Hillary Kiyaga (Dr. Hilderman) also defended his position in Mawokota North. Rising star Nina Kankunda (Nina Roz) earned her first-ever ticket, clinching the Sembabule Woman MP slot.
Veteran broadcaster Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa secured the Nansana Municipality flag after defeating musician Ibrahim Mayanja (Big Eye), who saw his parliamentary ambitions cut short.
Perhaps the biggest upset came in Busiro County East, where singer Mathias Walukagga outpaced seasoned legislator Medard Lubega Sseggona, a shock result that has already stirred intense debate within the party and beyond.
Elsewhere, former journalist Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa lost the Mityana Woman MP ticket to Mukisa Proscovia, while media personality Mary Flavia Namulindwa was denied the Gomba East flag despite her energetic grassroots mobilization.
Voice-over artist Ivan Kyeyune, popularly recognized as “Zungulu” from NTV Uganda, celebrated victory after securing the Nakasongola County ticket.
Not all entertainers were successful, however. Lubega Obeid Reign, who had vied for Rubaga South, and musician Tuff B, who sought the Makindye East slot, both missed out on party endorsement.
The NUP list highlights the growing influence of entertainers in Uganda’s political space, but also underscores the competitive and often unpredictable nature of party primaries as the countdown to 2026 intensifies.
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