The National Unity Platform (NUP) party has unveiled Florence Asio as its official flag bearer for the Bukedea Woman Member of Parliament seat in the 2026 general elections.
The announcement, made today at a press conference held at the NUP offices in Kibale, comes after weeks of political tension following the Electoral Commission’s decision to delete the name of the party’s initial aspirant, Mercy Marion Alupo, from the national voters’ register.
The development, which sparked outrage among opposition supporters and human rights activists, was widely viewed as part of a broader attempt to frustrate NUP’s participation in the Bukedea race, where Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among currently serves as the Woman MP.
Taking to the podium shortly after being announced, Florence Asio delivered an emotional yet firm speech in which she pledged to carry the torch of change and unity for the people of Bukedea.
“People of Bukedea, I am here to represent you,” she said, addressing both party members and residents following the proceedings online.
“I want to thank God Almighty who has given us this opportunity amidst all these challenges that NUP has faced in Bukedea. Despite the frustration they have given our sister Mercy Marion Alupo, I am here to stand. I am not worried and I am very strong. We shall stand together until the fight is over.”
Asio described her nomination as a divine opportunity to serve, emphasizing that her mission goes beyond politics to restoring hope, unity, and integrity in Bukedea’s leadership.
“We are one people. What we want is justice and fairness. This journey is not about fear, it is about standing for the truth and giving Bukedea women and youth a voice in national leadership,” she said.
The NUP party’s decision to replace Alupo came after the Electoral Commission (EC) upheld a tribunal ruling that removed her name from the district’s voter register, citing alleged irregularities in her registration.
The ruling, however, was met with widespread criticism, with NUP accusing the EC of being “politically compromised” and acting under pressure from powerful figures seeking to control Bukedea’s political space.
Mercy Marion Alupo, who had initially declared her bid earlier this year, accepted the party’s decision and publicly endorsed Asio as her successor.
She vowed to continue supporting the NUP campaign in Bukedea.
“This has not been an easy journey. The junta fears the power of the people, but I stand firmly behind my sister Asio. We shall not give up,” Alupo said during the same event.
NUP Party President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, praised both women for their courage, calling Asio’s selection a “renewal of hope” for the people of Bukedea.
“Our sister Mercy has shown true leadership by passing the flag to Florence Asio, and this shows that NUP is not about individuals but about the struggle for the people’s freedom,” Kyagulanyi said.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to supporting Asio’s campaign and promised to mobilize national backing for her candidacy.
“We are not afraid of intimidation or manipulation. Bukedea, like the rest of Uganda, deserves a free and fair election. The people will speak through their votes,” Kyagulanyi added.
Florence Asio ended her address with a rallying message to the voters of Bukedea to remain resilient in the face of political challenges.
“We shall not be divided. We shall move village by village, parish by parish, and stand together until victory is achieved,” she declared.
About Author
