Zahara Luyirika Becomes First NUP Candidate Nominated as MP in Kampala for 2026 Elections
The Speaker of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Zahara Maala Luyirika, Wednesday makes history as she becomes the first National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate to be officially nominated in Kampala for the 2026 general elections.
Luyirika, who is contesting for the Makindye West Parliamentary seat, has beennominated at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Ntinda amid cheers from enthusiastic supporters dressed in red and waving NUP flags.
Her nomination follows the court’s dismissal of a case that had challenged her status as the NUP flagbearer, clearing the last legal hurdle and paving the way for her official entry into the race.
Speaking shortly after her nomination, Luyirika expresses gratitude to her party and supporters for standing by her through what she describes as “a journey of faith, courage, and resilience.”
“Today, justice and truth prevail. The people of Makindye West deserve transparent and accountable leadership. I am ready to serve with integrity and passion,” she says.
Luyirika’s path to nomination has not been smooth. Earlier this month, David Musiri, a fellow NUP member, petitioned the party’s internal tribunal challenging her selection as the flagbearer for Makindye West.
Musiri argued that Luyirika initially sought to contest for the Kampala Woman MP seat before switching to Makindye West, allegedly sidelining long serving local members, but the party insisted that Luyirika has performed best at KCCA and Makindye West needs a person of her caribre.
After weeks of deliberation, the NUP tribunal dismissed the petition, confirming Luyirika as the legitimate candidate.
Reports indicate that Musiri later seeked redress in the High Court, but the case has been dismissed for lack of sufficient evidence and internal jurisdiction, effectively ending the dispute and allowing the Electoral Commission to proceed with her nomination.
Luyirika’s nomination carries symbolic weight as she becomes the first NUP candidate in Kampala to be cleared for the 2026 elections. The development signals renewed unity and strength within the party after months of internal friction.
Political observers interpret NUP’s choice of Luyirika a respected city leader and ally of party president Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) as a strategic move to consolidate the party’s influence in urban constituencies.
“Luyirika’s nomination represents NUP’s commitment to disciplined and people centered leadership,” one senior party official remarked.
Makindye West remains one of the most politically vibrant constituencies in Kampala. The seat is currently held by Hon. Allan Ssewanyana, who has failed to deliver services to Makindye west people and also had strained relations with NUP and subsequent disagreements with party structures.
With Luyirika now officially on the ballot, the contest for Makindye West is expected to intensify, as candidates from the ruling NRM and other opposition parties prepare to enter the race.
Luyirika says her campaign will center on youth empowerment, community development, and transparent city governance. Drawing from her experience as KCCA Speaker, she pledges to champion better service delivery and inclusive urban policies.
“This campaign is about people, not politics,” she says. “Makindye West deserves clean leadership, equal opportunity, and hope for every household.”
As the Electoral Commission continues nominations across the country, Zahara Luyirika’s successful nomination sets the tone for NUP’s campaign in Kampala symbolizing a new phase of determination, unity, and leadership renewal within Uganda’s leading opposition party.
