NUP Unveils Strong Candidate Lineup for Manafwa District Ahead of 2025 Elections

Manafwa, Uganda: The National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Uganda’s prominent opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has announced its successful candidates for various local government positions in Manafwa District. The announcement, made on Monday signals a strategic push to bolster its presence in eastern Uganda ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The detailed list highlights key positions and their respective flag bearers. Wanjiia Fred Wesa has been named the NUP candidate for District Chairperson, while Butiru County will be represented by Butali Ronald Peter. Other notable candidates include Wamela Wily Butalya for Butiru Town Council District Direct Councillor and Namono Brenda for Manafwa Town Council Division/Subcounty/Municipality Women Councillor. The full roster reflects a diverse slate aimed at addressing the district’s varied constituencies.

This move comes as the Electoral Commission recently adjusted the nomination dates for Local Government Council Elections, originally set for September 3-12, 2025, to accommodate logistical preparations. The timing of NUP’s announcement suggests a calculated effort to capitalize on this window, rallying support in a region where the party has been steadily gaining ground.

Manafwa District, part of Uganda’s eastern region, has historically been a competitive political battleground. In the 2021 general elections, NUP trailed the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which secured 32,999 votes compared to NUP’s 13,740, according to Visible Polls data. However, Kyagulanyi’s landslide victory in the Kyadondo East by-election in 2018 and his 35.08% national vote share in 2021—despite allegations of electoral irregularities—have fueled the party’s momentum. The latest candidate list may indicate NUP’s intent to challenge NRM’s dominance in the upcoming polls.

Political analysts suggest that this announcement could reshape Manafwa’s political landscape. “NUP is clearly targeting grassroots support with this lineup, focusing on local issues that resonate with voters,” said John Bwayo, a political commentator based in Lwakhakha Town Council. The party’s affordable membership drive, initiated in 2020 with cards priced at USh1,000, has also broadened its base, making it a formidable contender.

As the election roadmap progresses, all eyes will be on Manafwa to see if NUP can translate its organizational efforts into electoral success. With the nominations period approaching, the party’s strategy will likely intensify, setting the stage for a heated contest in the region.