The National Unity Platform (NUP) has intervened in the Kampala Woman MP race, warning aspirants Shamim Malende and Zahara Luyirika over escalating smear campaigns and blackmail. The party cautioned that persistent indiscipline could result in disqualification from the race, raising the stakes in one of Uganda’s most closely watched political contests.
The Contestants: Malende vs Luyirika
Hon. Shamim Malende, the incumbent Kampala Woman MP, faces a strong challenge from Zahara Luyirika, the Speaker of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). Their rivalry began months ago when Luyirika declared her intention to unseat Malende, arguing that the incumbent had spent much of her term in hospital and failed to effectively represent Kampala residents in Parliament.
The growing tension has deeply divided the party, with each candidate building a faction of supporters, leading to internal wrangles that threaten NUP’s unity in Kampala.
NUP’s Intervention
To restore order, NUP convened a high-level meeting at its headquarters in Kavule, Kampala. Deputy President for Buganda, Muwanga Kivumbi, revealed that the toxic campaign environment had alarmed party leadership, prompting the intervention of NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine).
“The Party, having taken note of the toxic environment in the Kampala Woman MP race, has convened a meeting this morning to emphasize the need for discipline during this process. Candidates Hon. Shamim Malende and Hon. Zahara Luyirika have been tasked to commit to a respectful campaign, devoid of smear campaigns and blackmail,” Kivumbi said.
He added that both candidates and their supporters must uphold NUP’s founding value of discipline to protect the party’s credibility.
Threat of Disqualification
Kivumbi issued a stern warning that if Malende and Luyirika persist with personal attacks, the NUP Election Management Committee will invoke its powers to disqualify them from the race.
“This warning has also been extended to all other candidates issuing threats or insults. We are grateful to comrades who agreed to abide by the rules, and we expect sanity moving forward,” he stated.
Why Kampala Matters
Kampala is considered a political stronghold of the National Unity Platform, and its flag bearers enjoy a strong chance of electoral victory. With the general elections approaching, internal divisions within NUP could weaken its dominance if left unresolved.
Analysts note that whichever candidate secures the party flag—Malende or Luyirika—will likely have a significant advantage in the polls, making this contest not just an internal party affair but a key moment in Kampala’s political future.
Conclusion
The Kampala Woman MP race underscores both the strength and fragility of NUP’s political dominance. By issuing a strong warning to Shamim Malende and Zahara Luyirika, the party leadership aims to restore discipline and unity ahead of the 2026 elections. Whether the two contenders can rise above personal rivalries to preserve NUP’s credibility remains to be seen.