The National Unity Platform (NUP) Electoral Management Committee (EMC) has announced that it will conduct the vetting of party member Waiswa Mufumbiro from Luzira Prison, where he is currently being held on remand.
Deputy EMC head, Mr. Sebuufu, confirmed the decision, explaining that Mufumbiro had been scheduled to undergo vetting at the NUP headquarters in Kamwokya alongside other aspirants. However, due to his incarceration, the committee resolved to move the vetting process to Luzira to ensure his participation.
“Just like his colleagues, Waiswa Mufumbiro was supposed to be vetted at our party headquarters. Since he is in prison, we have decided to conduct the exercise at Luzira so that he is not excluded,” Mr. Sebuufu said.
Mufumbiro, a prominent youth leader within NUP, was arrested earlier this year over allegations of participating in military-style drills at the party headquarters in February.
His detention has sparked controversy within the party, with some members claiming it is a politically motivated attempt to sideline vocal youth figures.
Despite the EMC’s plans, it remains unclear whether the Uganda Prisons Services will authorize the vetting to take place inside Luzira. Political analysts suggest that if permitted, the move could set a precedent for inclusive political participation, ensuring that individuals facing legal proceedings are not automatically excluded from internal party processes.
The vetting is a key phase in NUP’s preparations for the 2026 general elections. The committee has already vetted several aspirants, evaluating their commitment to party values, leadership track records, and capacity to represent constituents effectively.
For Mufumbiro, the outcome of this process could determine whether he receives the party’s endorsement, despite the legal challenges hanging over him. While his supporters insist the charges are politically driven, others argue that due process must be followed.
As vetting day approaches, attention turns to Luzira Prison, where the possibility of a rare political event hangs in the balance.