Exclusive: Why money was a big factor in wining NUP MP ticket. Whisper Eye Reports
Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) released the lists of successful Members of Parliament (MPs) in the forthcoming general elections.
The selected candidates are to hold the NUP flag and contest with other candidates from different political parties.
Political experts have made a critical analysis about the selected candidates and the money factor which played a big role.
In Rubaga among the two candidates, Gen Samuel Walter Lubega Mukaaku who is among the founders of People Power, Our Power Movement that merged with National Unity and Reconciliation Party (NURP) to form National Unity Platform (NUP) was denied party ticket basing on money factor.
A commissioner on the Elections Management Committee told Whisper Eye that Mr Mukaaku got 90% in the vetting committee against 45% of Mr Mukasa but some top officials of NUP alleged that Mr Mukaaku can not even afford buying campaign posters.
Although the biggest number of leaders and residents of Rubaga preferred Mr Mukaaku, the final decision made by top officials decided Mukaaku’s fate.
It will be an uphill task for Mr Mukasa to win the constituency most especially after he has been alleged and known by many residents of Rubaga South that he is working for Gen Salim Saleh who is his major sponsor.
In Nakifuma county, businessman Simbwa Fred was considered than popular and active politician Patricko Mujjuuka, just on grounds of money.
According to the EC committee Mr Mujjuuka was more popular than Mr Simbwa due his popular morning program ‘Kalasa Mayanzi’ on Central Broadcasting Services Ltd (CBS).
However the committee awarded NUP ticket to a businessman whom they believe can finance MP Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu’s campaigns in the entire Nakifuma constituency.
Kira Younger football team owner Mr Jimmy Lukwago was given a NUP ticket defeating Singer Eddy Yawe who has stood for two times first defeated by Muhammad Nsereko in 2011 for Kampala Central MP, and in 2016 by MP Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda in Kira municipality.
In Kyadondo East constituency which is represented by NUP president Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu also known as Bobi Wine, now awarded to counsel Muwada Nkunyingi, among others on the list.
The way how the party will solve the question of independents who are looked as more popular and people loved candidates in various constituencies will make a difference in the over whole process and the success of the party.
