Two former National Unity Platform (NUP) candidates from Mbarara have officially joined the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Peter Mpaka, who recently withdrew from the Mbarara City North parliamentary race, and Mark Itogooro Nyabihemu, the former NUP mayoral flagbearer for Mbarara City, were presented to President Yoweri Museveni on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the Golf Course Grounds in Booma Cell.
The two told the President that they initially joined NUP expecting financial support for their campaigns and political activities, but said those expectations were not met. They noted this as the reason behind their decision to shift allegiance to the NRM.
In a related development, former NUP member and independent candidate for Pece–Laroo constituency, Ceaser Rubangakene, has written to the Electoral Commission requesting to withdraw from the parliamentary race.