Political Drama Peaks as NUP Allegedly Blocks Candidates from Attending NBS Live Debates

The simmering tensions between NBS Television and the National Unity Platform (NUP) seem to have reached a new peak this campaign season, as fresh reports suggest the opposition party has quietly directed its candidates to boycott the station’s political debate programs. Though unconfirmed, the alleged directive has already sparked intense discussion across political circles and social media.

In recent weeks, the Naguru-based station launched a constituency-focused debate series aimed at giving voters a clearer picture of the individuals vying to represent them. The program brings together candidates competing for the same seat, offering a platform to present their manifestos, challenge each other’s ideas, and engage voters in real time.

But as the debates gained momentum, viewers began noticing a conspicuous pattern: the consistent absence of NUP flag bearers. Despite being scheduled to appear alongside their rivals, not a single NUP candidate has taken part in the debates held so far.

According to NBS TV, the party’s candidates have missed three consecutive debates—each time without offering any formal explanation to the station.

The first incident dates back to October, when Zahra Maala Luyirika failed to show up for her scheduled appearance. The situation repeated itself earlier this month when Ali Mulyanyama also did not attend his debate. The most recent case involved Zambali Bulasio Mukasa, who skipped the weekend debate for Nansana Municipality.

These repeated no-shows have fueled speculation that NUP may be enforcing a quiet boycott of the station, allegedly instructing candidates to avoid its political programming altogether. However, the party has not issued any official statement to either confirm or refute the rapidly spreading rumors. The silence has only added to public curiosity, with supporters and critics alike questioning the motives behind the alleged stance.

Meanwhile, NBS Television continues airing the debate series, hosting whichever candidates are willing to participate as the election season enters its most competitive stage. With or without NUP’s involvement, the station appears committed to pushing forward with its efforts to inform voters.

Whether this growing rift between Uganda’s leading opposition party and one of the country’s major broadcasters will escalate—or eventually be resolved—remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the unfolding situation has introduced a new layer of political drama into an already heated election period.