The National Unity Platform (NUP) has welcomed seven new Members of Parliament who defected from other parties in a high-profile ceremony at its headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Kampala. This event showcases NUP’s growing momentum ahead of the 2026 general elections, solidifying its position as a major opposition party in Uganda.
Newly Joined MPs:
Dr. Timothy Batuwa, Jinja South West, formerly with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
David Isabirye Aga, Jinja North, formerly with FDC
Fortunate Nantongo, Woman MP for Kyotera District, formerly with the Democratic Party (DP)
John Paul Mpalanyi, Kyotera County, formerly with DP
Lutamaguzi Ssemakula, MP for Nakaseke South, formerly with DP
Joan Namutaawe, Woman MP for Masaka District, formerly Independent
Patrick Nsanja, Ntenjeru South, formerly Independent
The party also welcomed Zambali Bulaiso, former NBS Amassengejje anchor, who quit media to contest in Nansana Municipality. Dozens of local leaders from sub-county and municipal levels attended the event, publicly declaring their allegiance to NUP.
Security was tight around the NUP headquarters, with personnel from various agencies deployed to prevent disruptions and signaling the state’s ongoing scrutiny of NUP activities.
The National Unity Platform was formed in 2004 as the National Unity, Reconciliation and Development Party (NURP) and gained prominence when Robert Kyagulanyi,took over in July 2020. Under his leadership, NUP rapidly gained popularity, especially among young voters and urban constituencies disillusioned with President Museveni’s long rule.
In the 2021 general elections, NUP won 56 parliamentary seats, displacing FDC as the largest opposition party.