President Yoweri Museveni has ridiculed the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) for what he described as a “bogus and shallow” decision to nominate a relative of Speaker of Parliament Anita Among as their flag bearer in the Bukedea Woman Member of Parliament race, a move that eventually collapsed after the candidate vanished before nominations. Addressing a cheering crowd at Emokori Grounds in Bukedea District on Wednesday, Museveni said the incident exposed what he called the opposition’s lack of seriousness and political maturity.

In a fiery tone laced with amusement, Museveni told the gathering that the NUP’s chosen candidate, Florence Asio, turned out to be a close relative of Speaker Among, the very person she was supposed to challenge in the election. “The girl I took a picture with, Asio, is a relative of Anita Among. She is the one NUP fronted to contest against her. Can you imagine? This shows how shallow and bogus that party is,” Museveni said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

The President’s remarks came shortly after he officially received Asio from Speaker Among. Her disappearance a day before the nomination exercise had triggered confusion and speculation within NUP, with party officials struggling to explain her sudden absence. By the time she resurfaced, the nomination window had closed, leaving Among as the sole candidate and effectively securing her another term as Bukedea Woman MP unopposed.

Museveni used the moment to praise the people of Bukedea for what he called their political maturity, saying their overwhelming support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) demonstrated trust in its leadership and stability. “When you see people standing with the NRM, it means they understand who has brought peace, who has brought development, and who is serious about the future of Uganda,” he said. “The fact that some of our candidates go through unopposed shows that the people have made their choice clear.”

The incident has not only embarrassed the opposition but also ignited debate over the internal organization of NUP, which has yet to issue a clear statement on how their supposed flag bearer could vanish at such a crucial moment. Political observers have described the episode as a serious dent in the party’s credibility, especially in rural constituencies where the NRM continues to dominate.

Speaker Among, who shared the stage with the President, dismissed reports that Asio had ever been affiliated with NUP. She insisted that her name had been wrongly used by individuals seeking to manufacture drama in the Bukedea race. “This girl has never been in NUP. She is not even a politician,” Among said, standing beside Asio. “Some people just wanted to create confusion where there was none.” Her remarks were met with cheers from the crowd, many of whom waved NRM flags and chanted her name in celebration of her unopposed victory.

Museveni, seizing on the opportunity, used the moment to criticize what he called the opposition’s “habit of politics without substance,” accusing them of chasing attention instead of presenting practical ideas for Uganda’s growth. “You cannot lead a country by jokes and games,” he said. “When I see them bringing someone’s relative to stand against them, I know they don’t understand what leadership means. Leadership is about ideology, service, and understanding the needs of the people — not theatrics.”

He went on to commend the NRM for what he described as its disciplined and strategic approach to politics, emphasizing that the ruling party’s strength lies in its unity and consistent focus on national development. “For us in the NRM, we plan carefully. We talk about real issues — peace, infrastructure, education, health, and wealth creation. That is why our people trust us,” he said, adding that the government’s record in maintaining stability and expanding services across the country spoke louder than the opposition’s slogans.

The President’s speech, though political in nature, also carried a tone of humor and satisfaction as he congratulated Speaker Among for her continued leadership and for maintaining the party’s dominance in Bukedea. “You see, when you work with the people, they reward you. Among is not just a leader in Bukedea; she’s a daughter of this land who understands her people,” Museveni said as the crowd roared in approval.

Asio, who appeared calm and reserved during the event, did not speak publicly but was seen exchanging smiles with both Museveni and Among. Her presence, however, was enough to spark speculation about how the saga unfolded behind the scenes. Within Bukedea, many residents interpreted her reappearance alongside the President as the final confirmation that the opposition had blundered beyond repair.

The National Unity Platform has so far remained silent about the President’s comments and the controversy surrounding Asio’s candidacy. Party officials have neither confirmed nor denied that she was their chosen flag bearer, fueling further doubts about the integrity of their nomination process.

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