David Lewis Rubongoya, Secretary General of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has confirmed his intention to contest for the Kampala Central parliamentary seat in the upcoming general elections.
The seat is currently held by independent MP Muhammad Nsereko, who has yet to declare whether he will seek re-election.
Rubongoya, a close ally of NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), says his decision was partly inspired by the party president’s call for members to run for political offices at all levels, from local councils to Parliament.
However, his decision to run in Kampala rather than in his native Western Uganda has sparked criticism from some quarters.
In response, Rubongoya defended his choice, saying he has lived in Kampala for over two decades.
“I’ve made a life here, it’s where I’ve settled, started a family, and it’s the community I know best,” he said.
He compared his situation to that of Kyagulanyi, who hails from Gomba but previously represented Kyadondo East in Parliament because that’s where he lived.
Rubongoya also cited historical examples of non-Kampala natives and even foreign nationals who have participated in Kampala leadership.
“If people like Dr Ian Clarke and Fred Ruhindi could represent city constituencies, why not someone like me, who is Ugandan and has lived here for years?” he said.
He further explained that although he could stand in Mbarara, the party already has strong candidates in that region.
“It’s not about avoiding competition, it’s about strengthening the party. Contesting in Kampala allows me to serve effectively as Secretary General, since the party headquarters are close by,” he stated
Asked whether he would use his influence in the party to secure the NUP ticket, Rubongoya said the decision rests with the party.
“If the party feels I’m not the right candidate, I will step aside respectfully.”
In the 2021 general elections, incumbent Muhammad Nsereko retained the Kampala Central seat with 16,998 votes, narrowly defeating Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, Kyagulanyi’s brother, who garnered 15,975 votes.
Nyanzi later challenged the results in court, accusing Nsereko of electoral malpractice, including the involvement of military personnel and ballot stuffing.
The case was dismissed due to lack of sufficient evidence.
As the 2026 elections approach, Fred Nyanzi is now reportedly considering a shift to contest in Rubaga South.
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