More than 100 parliamentary aspirants from the National Unity Platform (NUP) have failed to register with the Electoral Commission (EC) ahead of the 2026 general elections, raising concern within Uganda’s leading opposition party as it races against time to prepare for a heated political season. The development has sparked anxiety among party members and supporters, with some fearing it could weaken NUP’s presence in Parliament if not swiftly addressed.

The EC conducted a two-day nationwide registration and screening exercise for aspiring parliamentary candidates on October 22 and 23, 2025. During this period, all political parties were required to ensure that their endorsed candidates submitted the necessary documentation and paid the required nomination fees. NUP, which had initially issued more than 400 cards to its members to contest various constituencies across the country, is now grappling with the reality that at least a quarter of those aspirants did not complete the registration process.

Sources close to the party’s secretariat say many of the affected candidates withdrew quietly, citing lack of funds to sustain campaign preparations and meet the EC’s registration requirements. In districts such as Bushenyi and Kibaale, some aspirants reportedly stepped aside after failing to raise the three million shillings required for registration. Others faced logistical hurdles, including delayed paperwork and missing documents needed to validate their eligibility. The situation, insiders reveal, has exposed deeper financial strains within the party as it tries to maintain a strong national presence.

Adding to the challenge, NUP has been dealing with a significant funding shortfall following the suspension of support from the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), a framework that previously provided financial assistance to political parties represented in Parliament. Without this backing, the party has had to rely heavily on internal fundraising and contributions from supporters. A senior party official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “a wake-up call,” saying the financial gaps have forced some aspiring MPs to pause their ambitions. “Many of our candidates are passionate and capable, but politics is expensive. Without adequate funding, some simply couldn’t move forward,” the source said.

NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya confirmed that the party is aware of the setbacks but emphasized that the situation is being handled internally. While he declined to give an exact figure, he admitted that “a number” of aspirants did not complete the EC process. “Some of our members faced challenges ranging from financial limitations to missing essential documents. We are reviewing all cases and engaging with the affected individuals to find solutions where possible,” Rubongoya explained. He added that the party remains committed to supporting its candidates as it works toward the official nomination period expected early next year.

Analysts say the development underscores the growing financial and logistical pressures faced by opposition parties in Uganda, particularly as the 2026 elections draw near. Political commentator Robert Kirunda noted that while NUP remains popular among young voters, it will need better organizational discipline and resource mobilization to convert that support into electoral success. “NUP’s brand is strong, but structure and strategy will decide how far that popularity translates into seats. If many candidates drop out before nominations, it will hurt their visibility and momentum,” Kirunda said.

For now, the mood within NUP is one of concern but not defeat. Party leaders say they are mobilizing resources to ensure all remaining flagbearers are adequately supported during the nomination phase. Meanwhile, some grassroots members have called for a coordinated fundraising drive to help struggling candidates meet the EC’s financial requirements. Whether those efforts will come in time remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the party faces a critical test of resilience and unity as Uganda edges closer to the 2026 general elections.

As the political temperature rises and rival parties step up their campaigns, NUP’s ability to rebound from this setback could determine not only how many seats it wins in Parliament, but also how it positions itself as a viable alternative to the ruling NRM. For a movement that built its foundation on hope and youth-driven activism, the next few months will reveal whether its promise can withstand the mounting pressures of Uganda’s high-stakes electoral battlefield.