The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially presented Florence Asio as its candidate for the Bukedea Woman Member of Parliament seat, setting up a tense political battle with Speaker of Parliament Anita Among. Among had previously appeared unopposed after three rival candidates were controversially removed from the voters’ register.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, announced Asio’s candidature on Monday, accusing the Electoral Commission (EC) and the courts of colluding to eliminate opposition challengers.
> “Anita Among, working through the Electoral Commission and the courts, recently ensured that the NUP, FDC, and Independent candidates were deleted from the voters’ register to stop them from contesting against her in Bukedea,” Kyagulanyi said. “None of these candidates were invited to appear before any tribunal before their names were removed.”
The deletions affected Mercy Marion Alupo (NUP), Norma Susan Otai (FDC), and Hellen Akol Odeke (Independent), leaving Among without competition and provoking anger among opposition supporters and local residents.
Kyagulanyi said Asio’s unveiling represents NUP’s commitment to resist what he called “state-engineered injustice.” He added, “Even as our case continues in court, we have today unveiled comrade Florence Asio as our flagbearer for Bukedea Woman MP. The people of Bukedea now have a choice between a long-entrenched incumbent and a young, passionate leader ready to serve.”
According to party insiders, Asio, a grassroots mobilizer from Kolir Sub-county, has strong community ties that position her to strengthen NUP’s presence across the district.
Local residents expressed relief over the development. Mary Achen, a vendor, said, “We feared there would be no election in Bukedea. Now at least we have someone to vote for.” Another resident, Peter Ocen, accused the EC of bias, saying, “They wanted Among to run unopposed. That’s not democracy.”
The Electoral Commission maintains that the deletions were lawful, citing recommendations from parish tribunals in Kopeta, Kolir, Kotolut, and Kidongole sub-counties. Acting Secretary Richard Kamugisha Baabo stated in a High Court affidavit that the affected candidates were given ten days to respond but failed to do so. Critics, however, insist the candidates were never notified, raising concerns about fairness and transparency.
Analysts say the Bukedea race will test the EC’s independence and Uganda’s commitment to fair elections. One observer noted, “If the new opposition candidate is blocked again, it will confirm public fears that the system is designed to favor incumbents.”
The High Court is expected to hear the petition challenging the deletions in the coming days, as NUP continues to rally support for Florence Asio across Bukedea.
