Busiro South Mp Race: Two NUP Aspirants Defy Party, to Contest as Independents

By Racheal N. Namuli

Tensions have erupted in the Busiro South parliamentary race after two National Unity Platform (NUP) aspirants defied the party’s Electoral Management Committee decision and declared their intentions to contest as independent candidates.

Last month, the Electoral Management Committee announced incumbent MP Matovu Charles as the official NUP flag bearer for the Busiro South constituency. However, this decision has sparked discontent among other aspirants who were also vying for the party’s endorsement.

Before Matovu was declared the official candidate, the race had attracted six other NUP hopefuls, including:

• Sekigozi Steven
• Matia Lwanga Bwanika
• Galabuzi Mpologoma
• Jjemba Francis
• Serwanja Charles
• Kikomeko Saul

Now, Matia Lwanga Bwanika, the Wakiso District Chairperson and one of the prominent NUP aspirants, has officially announced his decision to contest as an independent after failing to secure the party card. He has been joined by Kikomeko Saul, who has also declared his independent bid.

Speaking about his decision, Matia stated:

“My experience as district chairperson for three terms, being born, raised, and residing in this area. I probably even have ancestral tombs here — has given me a deep understanding of the constituency’s real challenges.
My driving concern is the urgent need for better and more accountable representation in Parliament to improve service delivery.”

On his part, Kikomeko Saul criticized the incumbent’s performance, saying:

“The people of Busiro South were disappointed when the Electoral Management Committee declared Matovu Charles as the flag bearer. Many have asked me to step up and fill the leadership gap, and I am ready to take on that responsibility.”

As the race intensifies, Busiro South now has seven declared aspirants, including:

• Matovu Charles (NUP)
• Ndagire Lillian Rovince (DP)
• Kenan Opio (NRM)
• Semuwemba Hakim (DF)
• Matia Lwanga Bwanika (Independent)
• Kikomeko Saul (Independent)
• Plus three other independent candidates

With the NUP vote potentially splitting, the outcome in Busiro South remains uncertain as campaign season heats up.