A deepening split has emerged within the National Unity Platform (NUP) as several prominent legislators and aspirants, denied the party ticket, have chosen to run as independent candidates in the 2026 general elections.Among those nominated today are Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West), Aloysius Mukasa (Rubaga South), William Robert Ssekidde alias Tuff B (Makindye East), and Medard Lubega Sseggona (Busiro East) — all former or sitting MPs who accuse the party of unfair internal processes and betrayal of loyal cadres.Ssewanyana: “Makindye West needs genuine representation”Incumbent Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana has returned to the political arena as an independent after NUP handed its flag to Zahara Luyirika, the Kampala City Speaker.The outspoken legislator, who spent two years in prison on politically charged murder allegations, said his ordeal made him stronger and more committed to the people he represents.“Makindye West needs genuine representation,” Ssewanyana told journalists after his nomination. “Some of those being fronted lack the courage and experience this constituency deserves. I have been tested, and I know what the people go through.”Mukasa: “I’m loyal to my voters, not party structures”In Rubaga South, MP Aloysius Mukasa — another casualty of the NUP vetting process — said he was standing as an independent “for the people, not the party.”“I entered politics to serve Rubaga South, not to please political cliques,” he said. “The people demanded that I return, and I’m answering their call.”Mukasa’s move, observers note, could split the NUP vote in one of Kampala’s most competitive urban constituencies.Tuff B: Musician-turned-politician vows to ‘bring authenticity back’Musician and TV host William Robert Ssekidde, better known as Tuff B, has also been nominated to contest Makindye East as an independent after failing to clinch the NUP ticket.Tuff B said his candidacy is about “authentic representation” and a chance to prove that politics can still serve ordinary citizens.“Our generation is tired of politics of personality,” he said. “It’s time for the youth to lead with honesty and community focus.”Sseggona: “The struggle was never about party colors”Seasoned opposition lawmaker Medard Lubega Sseggona, who has represented Busiro East since 2011, also fell out with the party’s leadership and will run as an independent.Seeking a fourth term, Sseggona pledged to continue pushing for federalism and to lobby for city status for Wakiso District and Entebbe Municipality.“Our struggle was never about colors or party badges,” Sseggona said. “It’s about governance that respects citizens. Even if it means standing alone, I’ll stand with the people.”Analysts warn of costly divisionsThe surge of independent NUP-leaning candidates has sparked concern within opposition ranks. Political analysts warn that the trend could fragment the NUP vote in key battleground areas, especially Kampala and Wakiso — strongholds that propelled the party to dominance in 2021.“The independents are mostly influential incumbents,” said one political analyst. “If NUP fails to reconcile them, it risks losing several urban seats to the NRM or even other opposition parties.”Nominations for parliamentary candidates continue this week at designated Electoral Commission centers across the country.The post Rift In NUP: Top MPs Ssewanyana, Sseggona, Mukasa & Tuff B Go Independent After Losing Party Flag appeared first on The Insider.