By Our Reporter 

Bukedea District — The contest for Bukedea District Woman Member of Parliament is heating up as Mercy Marion Alupo, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer, prepares for her official nomination later this month.

Alupo’s candidacy has drawn national attention following the controversial removal of her name from the national voters’ register at the parish tribunal level—a decision that sparked legal challenges and debates over electoral fairness.

A social media poster has further stirred excitement among supporters, showing Alupo alongside NUP Party President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. According to the poster, Bobi Wine is expected to personally attend Alupo’s nomination event, which will commence at Fika Salama at 8:00 a.m. before proceeding to the official nomination venue.

Supporters across Bukedea and the wider Teso sub-region have expressed readiness to rally behind Alupo in large numbers, viewing the event as a significant political milestone.

Alupo’s rise is increasingly seen as symbolic of the opposition’s determination to challenge established political power in Eastern Uganda. Her youthful energy and bold political approach have made her a central figure in NUP’s growing regional support base.

If successfully nominated, Alupo will join a select group of young opposition women seeking to contest established incumbents in the 2026 elections, a development that could reshape political dynamics in the Teso sub-region.

The official nomination is scheduled for Thursday, 23rd October, with Bobi Wine attending in person to demonstrate the party’s full support. Political observers note that Bukedea is poised for one of the most closely watched nomination events of the 2026 campaign season, highlighting a contest between youthful ambition and entrenched political influence.

Background

The controversy began when Alupo declared her intention to challenge the incumbent, Anita?Annet?Among, the Speaker of Parliament, for the Bukedea Woman MP seat. Reports indicate that three women—including Alupo—had their names removed from the national voter register following parish-level tribunal rulings that questioned their eligibility. The deletions triggered legal action and accusations from opposition parties that the Electoral Commission (EC) was obstructing competition.

Local tribunals in Bukedea examined objections to the aspirants, citing claims that they did not meet voter registration criteria in certain polling districts. Following tribunal recommendations, the EC deleted the names, prompting condemnation from NUP and civil society groups, who argued the move blocked their participation. The aspirants subsequently took their challenge to the High Court, questioning both the legality of the deletions and their implications for candidacy.

Nomination Set to Proceed

After court hearings and pressure on electoral institutions, the EC cleared Alupo to proceed with her nomination. NUP officially announced the nomination day for Thursday, 23 October, with a gathering point at Fika Salama at 8:00 a.m. Campaign materials prominently display NUP colours and the slogan #ProtestVote, signaling a direct challenge to the Speaker.

Other Aspirants Affected

Two other women reportedly faced similar issues:

Norma?Susan?Otai — representing the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who claims her removal was politically motivated.

Hellen?Akol?(Odeke) — linked with another party or running independently, also had her name deleted.

All three aspirants have joined a High Court challenge contesting the tribunal and EC decisions.

Implications

The case has sparked nationwide debate over electoral fairness, with opposition parties warning that state institutions may be used to limit challengers against key incumbents. The EC maintains it is merely implementing tribunal decisions. Observers say the High Court’s ruling on the deletions and eligibility questions could set a critical precedent for future electoral contests in Uganda.

Looking Ahead

With Alupo’s nomination confirmed, the race for Bukedea Woman MP is set to become a high-profile showdown between the young NUP aspirant and the incumbent Speaker. All eyes will be on the campaign’s conduct, potential legal maneuvers, and whether voter registration and eligibility issues in district races are definitively resolved.