NUP Is So Weak In Tooro!! Lilian Kobugabe Drops NUP Flag in Kabarole Woman MP Race

In a surprising turn of events, the National Unity Platform (NUP) has taken a hit in its push to grow nationwide influence following the withdrawal of Lilian Kobugabe, its official flag bearer for the Kabarole District Woman MP seat.

Kobugabe’s decision was formally communicated in a letter dated October 15, 2025, addressed to NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya. In the letter, she announced that she was returning the party flag, citing what she termed as “careful consideration and consultation.”

Calling the decision “difficult but necessary,” Kobugabe assured the party that her withdrawal would not derail their efforts and expressed optimism that a replacement could still be found before the nomination deadline.

“It is my humble request that the party utilise the remaining seven days before nomination to identify and support another candidate who can effectively represent our movement’s aspirations in the 2026 General Elections,” she stated.

Kobugabe also took time to thank party leaders and her supporters for their trust, reaffirming her continued commitment to NUP’s broader mission of building a democratic and just Uganda.

In a follow-up with the media, she clarified that while she is stepping down as NUP’s flag bearer, she is not exiting the parliamentary race altogether. However, she remained tight-lipped on whether she plans to run as an independent or under a different party.

Her exit lands at a crucial moment for NUP, which has been working to build momentum outside its Central Region stronghold. While the party dominated in Buganda during the 2021 General Elections—sweeping both parliamentary and local council seats—it has struggled to break through in other parts of the country, particularly in the West and North.

Political analysts say Kobugabe’s move exposes the persistent challenges NUP faces in extending its reach into regions where political allegiances remain deeply tied to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and established opposition parties.

With parliamentary nominations set for October 22–23, the clock is ticking for NUP to find a viable replacement to carry its flag in Kabarole.