The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially announced Florence Asio as its new flag bearer for the Bukedea District Woman Member of Parliament seat, following the removal of the previous candidate, Mercy Alupo, from the national voters’ register under controversial circumstances.

Harriet Chemuntai, the Chairperson of the NUP Election Management Committee, revealed that the party had been left with no choice but to replace Alupo after what she termed "continued frustration and sabotage" from political actors in the district. Chemuntai specifically pointed to the actions of incumbent MP and Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, who she accused of obstructing Alupo's candidacy. According to Chemuntai, this interference made it impossible for Alupo to continue in the race.

"The party’s original flag bearer, Mercy Alupo, faced relentless interference that made it impossible for her to proceed with her candidature. We had no choice but to front Florence Asio, a strong and capable leader who represents the will of the people of Bukedea," Chemuntai said during the announcement.

The NUP’s decision to replace Alupo has ignited a firestorm of political discourse in the district, which has become a flashpoint in Uganda’s ongoing electoral struggles. The removal of Alupo from the voters' register has sparked accusations of political manipulation and electoral malpractice.

NUP’s presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine, has heavily criticized the Electoral Commission’s handling of the situation. Speaking to supporters in Bukedea, Kyagulanyi accused the commission of colluding with ruling party figures to undermine opposition candidates.

“How can Anita Among frustrate two of her contenders, manipulate the system, and still run as an independent candidate without any accountability?” Kyagulanyi asked, expressing his frustration over what he called a flawed electoral system. He described the situation in Bukedea as emblematic of broader electoral issues across the country, which he believes are being fueled by corruption and political impunity.

Kyagulanyi also referenced other alleged cases of electoral injustice, such as those involving candidates Charles Okidi and Nyinamahoro, whom he claimed had also been targeted and sabotaged by political forces aligned with the ruling party. He called for greater transparency and accountability from the Electoral Commission, which he accused of selectively enforcing electoral laws and failing to address abuses by civil servants and public officials.

"Why is the Electoral Commission silent when civil servants abuse their offices and participate in partisan politics? Why are electoral laws selectively enforced?" Kyagulanyi asked, further demanding urgent reforms to ensure a free and fair electoral process.

During his address, Kyagulanyi urged the people of Bukedea to support Florence Asio, framing her as a candidate who embodies integrity and resistance to political suppression. "Florence Asio is your voice. Support her to send a message that Bukedea cannot and will not be dictated to," he declared, reinforcing his call for a more inclusive and transparent political environment.

Asio, the newly nominated NUP candidate, has garnered support from various sectors within Bukedea, where she is viewed as a leader who will stand up against the prevailing political forces that have dominated the district. Her candidacy is seen as a beacon of hope for those who believe in democratic principles and the importance of free and fair elections.

The political climate in Bukedea has become increasingly tense, with opposition candidates accusing local authorities and security agencies of using intimidation, arrests, and voter manipulation tactics. NUP has called for an independent investigation into the deletion of Alupo from the voters' register and the broader conduct of the Electoral Commission in the district.

Kyagulanyi’s comments in Bukedea are part of his nationwide presidential campaign, which continues to highlight what he claims are widespread human rights violations, political intimidation, and electoral injustices. As he prepares to head to Kibaale and Kagadi districts, the opposition leader has reiterated his commitment to fighting for electoral reforms and a more transparent political system.

With political tensions continuing to rise, the battle for the Bukedea Woman MP seat is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in Uganda’s upcoming elections, with significant implications for both local and national politics.