The NUP Debate Is A Waste Of Time- Analysts

As part of the internal party activities to select the most suitable candidate for the Kawempe north by-election, the National unity platform spent the better part of the day engaged in a public debate between the 10 competing candidates for the flag.

But according to veteran journalist and political analyst Richard Baguma, the exercise is a waste of time since it falls short of the electoral yardstick for the common people "Debate and do what? what will you achieve? does the debate change the electoral mindset of people of Kawempe north? certainly not. this is just time wasting and copying things from the West that don't apply here" said Baguma.

Baguma also lashed out at the NUP leadership for  overstepping their mandate in this process that he believes denies the electorate chance to make their own choice.

 "Am told after the debate they will select 5 people out of the 9 and from the 5 they will choose the flag bearer. But where do they get that mandate, is it fair that a group of few people seats at NUP headquarters and decides that one is not fit? we have to look into all these issues. Let the people make their choice" Baguma added.

 But political analyst and Makerere Don Yusuf Sserunkuma believes the debate is a step in the right direction, as this goes a long way in building internal processes and democracy " let's give credit to the NUP for organizing such a debate because when you look at other parties and how they arrive at candidates, this is far more organized" said Sserunkuma.

The Kawempe north seat fell vacant following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya early this year. Among the people interested in the seat is NRM's Faridah daughter to NRM vice chairperson Al- Hajji Moses Kigongo, FDC's Sadat Mukibina aka Khlifah Aganaga among others.

The election will take place on 13/3/2025.