"My Next Term In Parliament Will Be Determined By The People Of Mityana Not NUP" Joyce Bagala Sets The Record Straight After Being Denied Party Flag

Mityana Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Joyce Bagala, has reacted strongly after being denied the National Unity Platform (NUP) Party flag. She made it clear that her next political move will be determined by her constituents and not the party leadership.

“The mandate to go to Parliament was given to me by the people of Mityana. I have been consulting them and I hope all of you have heard what they say,” Bagala said, emphasizing her connection with the electorate.

Bagala highlighted that she has been taking time to make her final decision, as she wants to respect the views of the majority of her constituents before committing to any course of action. She stressed that she values the opinion of the people above party decisions.

On Monday, NUP declared Proscovia Mukisa as their official flagbearer for the Mityana Woman Member of Parliament seat. This decision effectively denied Bagala the opportunity to run on the NUP ticket for the upcoming 2026 General Elections.

Despite this setback, Bagala indicated that she still believes she can win the seat independently. “I can still make it to Parliament without NUP. They should stop thinking that they are everything,” she stated, showing determination to continue her political journey outside the party framework.

Political analysts note that if Bagala decides to contest as an independent, she could create a significant challenge for the opposition. The 2026 elections for Mityana Woman MP may become highly competitive, especially with Hon. Judith Nabakooba, the Minister for Lands and a former representative of the constituency, also in the race.

Bagala’s stance reflects a growing trend in Uganda’s politics, where candidates rely on strong grassroots support rather than solely on party endorsement. Her move could inspire other politicians who feel sidelined by party decisions to consider independent bids.

The Mityana electorate now plays a central role in determining the outcome. Bagala has made it clear that she will act according to the wishes of the people she represents, reinforcing the principle of democracy and accountability to voters.

Observers also suggest that Bagala’s independent candidacy could test NUP’s strength in the region, as it may divide the party’s traditional support base and create space for other parties or independent candidates to make inroads.

As the 2026 elections approach, all eyes will be on Bagala’s decision and the reactions of her constituents. Her next move could reshape political dynamics in Mityana, highlighting the importance of popular support over party loyalty in Uganda’s evolving political landscape.