In a major development today, the National Unity Platform (NUP) officially released its list of successful Member of Parliament (MP) candidates for the Eastern Region via its Facebook page.
This public unveiling signals the party’s seriousness heading into the 2026 general elections, and sets the stage for an intensified campaign in the east.
Facebook Release and Official Confirmation
At approximately mid-day, NUP posted the full list of approved MP flag bearers for Eastern Region constituencies on its official Facebook page. The post included the names of all candidates who passed the party’s vetting process and will now carry the NUP mantle into the nomination and campaign phases.
The party emphasized in the post that this is the definitive list and urged local branch leaders and supporters to respect and rally behind the candidates. The announcement also cautioned against premature or unofficial lists being circulated on social media groups, stating that only the version posted on the official page should be recognized.
Social media reactions were swift: many supporters praised the transparency, while critics questioned whether the vetting had been fully inclusive. Some district-level members reportedly expressed concerns over last-minute adjustments or exclusions.
Key Names & Noteworthy Picks
While the full roster covers dozens of constituencies, a few names are already drawing attention from political watchers:
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In Mbale East, the party fielded a youthful female activist who has been widely visible in regional mobilization efforts.
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Pallisa North saw the selection of a teacher–turned-civic leader, known for championing education reforms in his home district.
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In Kapchorwa Central, NUP opted for a former district councilor who enjoys strong local name recognition.
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Busia West was awarded to a businessman with deep ties to youth and women’s empowerment programs.
Other constituencies saw balanced choices combining experience with fresh energy, and efforts to maintain gender representation.
Strategic Messaging & Impact
By releasing the list via Facebook, NUP is signaling both openness and urgency. The digital launch allows instantaneous dissemination and ensures that supporters have a canonical reference point. It also serves as a rallying call to local branches to begin mobilizing immediately.
Eastern Uganda has traditionally been a mixed political terrain, with some constituencies steadfast for the ruling party and others more volatile. Winning a strong share of the region’s parliamentary seats will be crucial for NUP’s strategy to challenge parliamentary dominance in 2026.
Hurdles Ahead
Despite the positive momentum, several challenges remain:
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Incumbency and resources: Many sitting MPs possess entrenched networks and access to financial and administrative advantages.
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Internal unity: Disappointed aspirants may feel alienated, risking splits or independent candidacies.
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Compliance and nomination rules: The list is subject to the rules set by the Electoral Commission and any primaries the party may hold.
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Campaign infrastructure: Ensuring adequate logistics, transport, and grassroots presence across sometimes remote constituencies will be vital.
Reactions & Local Feedback
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District NUP offices in areas like Kumi, Tororo, and Mbale publicly welcomed the announcement, stressing the importance of unity behind the official list.
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Some grassroots activists, however, raised questions about whether the vetting process sufficiently considered district-level input or marginalized candidates.
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Rival parties and observers have begun scrutinizing the names, looking for weak spots or potential legal challenges around eligibility or internal party procedures.
What’s Next
With the list already public:
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Campaign rollout — Each nominated candidate is expected to announce locally with launch events, house-to-house engagement, and community dialogues.
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Training & coordination — NUP is expected to hold workshops for these candidates on messaging, policy framing, and election protocol.
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Nomination phase — Candidates must still pass the national nomination window and any internal primaries.
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Media & public engagement — The next weeks may see debates, media appearances, and joint events with NUP’s presidential candidate to raise the profile of the slate.
Here is the full List of the successful candidates
