The National Unity Platform (NUP) has suffered another setback in Western Uganda after its Mbarara City North parliamentary flagbearer, Peter Mpaka, withdrew from the 2026 race and announced his departure from the party.
Mpaka, who was unveiled earlier this year as the party’s candidate, said on Monday that he could no longer sustain his candidacy due to overwhelming financial constraints and what he described as the party’s failure to provide the support it had promised.
“Today, I have made a decision to withdraw my candidature because I have encountered financial challenges that could not allow me to keep in the race,” Mpaka said.
He claimed NUP had pledged to facilitate its flagbearers but did not honour its commitments, leaving him unable to mount a viable campaign.
“Our party had committed to sponsor us but it has failed to fulfil its commitment. I realised that to just participate in the race and finish last would make no contribution to my political destiny or my desire to serve the people of Mbarara City North,” he added.
Mpaka has formally communicated his withdrawal to NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya through the Party Vice President for Western Region. He has also asked the party to notify the Electoral Commission so that his nomination can be cancelled.
In the same communication, Mpaka confirmed he was exiting NUP entirely.
“I have quit the National Unity Platform. I will take time before deciding which other political party to join,” he said.
He hinted at the possibility of joining the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), saying its candidates in Mbarara appear to receive substantial support—something he argues NUP has failed to extend to its own aspirants.
Mpaka’s withdrawal adds to a growing list of NUP hopefuls who have recently stepped out of the 2026 race, including Benjamin Emuk and Bukedea’s Florence Asio, pointing to deeper challenges within the party’s grassroots mobilisation as elections draw closer.
