Ex-LOP Mpuuga party nominations in Masaka draw former NUP legislators, councillors

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Democratic Front (DF) party nominations for the 2026 elections have attracted high-profile defectors from the National Unity Platform (NUP), including former Members of Parliament, district officials and city division councillors from Greater Masaka, a region historically dominated by opposition parties.

The two-day nomination exercise, presided over by DF electoral commission authority Henry Lubowa, commenced ceremoniously on August 26, 2025, at Patel Shamji Halls in Masaka City. Among those who successfully cleared nominations were Dr Abed Bwanika, Kimaanya-Kabonela MP, and Juliet Kakande, Masaka District Woman MP, both recent defectors from NUP.

Masaka District Council chairperson Andrew Batemyeto, another prominent NUP defector, secured nomination for the Bukoto Central County Parliamentary seat. He will contest against the incumbent MP, Eng. Richard Ssebamala of the Democratic Party (DP), alongside NRM flag-bearer Richard Sseremba. Additionally, former Masaka District Council vice-chairperson Janat Nakisekka, who defected from DP, was nominated for the Nyendo division councillor seat in Masaka city.

Masaka district council chairman, Andrew Batemyeto picking his nomination forms for the Bukoto Central Parliamentary seat. (Photo by Dismus Buregyeya)

Sources within DF confirmed that Mathias Mpunga, Nyendo-Mukungwe Division MP and DF party head, was abroad during the nominations.

“We expect Mpuga to return on Wednesday to participate in the nomination exercise,” the source stated, noting that former Leader of Opposition in Parliament Mpuuga, has been actively mobilising for DF across Masaka city since July. He is anticipated to vie for the Nyendo-Mukungwe parliamentary seat in 2026.

The Nyendo-Mukungwe Division Parliamentary race features a competitive field including NUP counsel Samuel Kayizzi, Gyaviira Lubowa (NUP), Alice Nanungi (NUP), and Reachel Kasolo (NRM).

DF unveiling

Mpuuga unveiled a new political party, DF, on May 25, 2025, just six months before the 2026 general election campaigns begin.

The party, according to Mpuuga, is deliberate in bringing freshness to Uganda's political landscape. 

"It is born out of our motherland's need for meaningful transformation that transcends the tired cycle of recycled ideologies," Mpuuga posted on X, formerly Twitter on May 27, 2025.

Mpuuga says the new party is coming not to disrupt, but that it is born out of necessity because of the failures of the status quo. "It is a home for logical thinkers, progressive minds, and those who believe in political ethics and disciplined service delivery".

According to a certificate of registration issued by the Electoral Commission under the Political Parties and Organisations Act, Cap 178, DF morphed from the Green Partisan Party.

The certificate, dated May 5, 2025, is signed by the Electoral Commission secretary.