National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya has praised party candidates in Kampala Central Division for maintaining unity despite what he described as election-related challenges, violence and manipulation.
Rubongoya said some political candidates often lose morale after disputed elections, particularly when they believe the electoral process has been rigged against them. He said the continued cooperation among NUP candidates demonstrated their determination to remain engaged despite the difficulties.
“Many times when elections are rigged and manipulated, the leaders who participated as candidates often get very discouraged and end up losing the morale,” Rubongoya said.
He made the remarks after meeting NUP candidates who carried the party flag in Kampala Central Division. According to Rubongoya, the gathering provided an opportunity for the politicians to share a meal, encourage one another and reflect on their political journey.
“I am therefore very glad to see that the candidates who carried the National Unity Platform flag in Kampala Central Division are still moving together,” he said.
Rubongoya said the group remained undeterred despite what he characterised as unprecedented levels of theft and violence during the electoral period. He added that the meeting also gave the candidates an opportunity to express gratitude for life and discuss the challenges facing them.
The NUP official has previously challenged the outcome of the Kampala Central parliamentary election, in which he lost to National Resistance Movement candidate Minsa Kabanda. Official results showed Kabanda securing 22,332 votes against Rubongoya’s 18,242 votes. Rubongoya subsequently filed an election petition challenging Kabanda’s victory, alleging electoral irregularities.
The petition is currently before the High Court in Kampala. The defence and Electoral Commission have disputed aspects of Rubongoya’s evidence, with lawyers raising objections to some of the material presented in court.
Against this background, Rubongoya said the meeting was also about looking beyond the disputed election and preparing for the journey ahead.
“Very pleased to be part of this engagement where we reflected on the many challenges we continue to face and reflected on the journey ahead,” he said.