National Unity Platform (NUP)’s Winfred Nakandi who had expressed desire to stand for the Kampala Woman Member of Parliament seat, has announced a new political path declaring her intention to contest as an independent candidate for Nakawa East Constituency in the forthcoming general elections.
Nakandi, who last month withdrew from the NUP race for the Kampala Woman MP slot, said she had made the decision after deep reflection and consultations with supporters who urged her to remain in active politics despite the challenges she faced within her former party.
She made the announcement during a press conference marking a significant shift in her political trajectory.
With this declaration, Nakandi now positions herself to challenge her former boss, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the NUP Deputy Spokesperson, who is also contesting for the Nakawa East seat.
While unveiling her independent bid, Nakandi outlined her campaign message centered on inclusivity and community empowerment.
“My campaign will focus on being a voice for the common person,” she said, pledging to promote unity and inclusive socio-economic transformation within Nakawa East.
“I want to give the people of Nakawa East an independent and people-centered voice in Parliament,” she added, emphasizing her commitment to serving beyond party lines.
Nakandi said her experience working within political structures had shown her the need for independent-minded leaders who prioritize citizens’ welfare over partisan interests.
She noted that her decision reflects the growing desire among Ugandans for representatives who are guided by the needs of the people, not political hierarchies.
Her entry into the Nakawa East contest introduces a new twist to what is shaping up to be one of Kampala’s most competitive parliamentary races.
The constituency already features heavyweights such as NUP’s Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro and NRM’s Fredrick Ruhindi, a former Attorney General and one-time area Member of Parliament.
Nakandi’s departure from the NUP ticket stems from her earlier complaints about internal processes within the opposition party.
While quitting the Kampala Woman MP race, she accused the NUP leadership of conducting closed-door meetings that favored particular aspirants at the expense of others.
She claimed that only a few candidates notably incumbent Shamim Malende and Kampala City Council Authority Speaker Zahra Luyirika were given a platform to present their cases before the vetting committee, while others, including herself, were sidelined.
Following her withdrawal, NUP handed the Kampala Woman MP flag to Malende, while Luyirika was endorsed to contest for Makindye West instead.
