Nakawa Mayor Paul Mugambe, who currently serves as the division’s mayor, has announced he will run as an independent candidate in the 2025 elections after the National Unity Platform (NUP) denied him the party ticket in favour of singer turned politician Bukeni Ali, popularly known as Nubian Li.

Mugambe made the announcement on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, while addressing the press at his home in Mutungo Zone II.

He said his decision to come as an independent is because he has done his best and was only dropped because of his hard work.

“After consultations with my supporters and close family, I have decided to come as an independent candidate because of people power. Many Nakawa residents have asked me to return and represent them,” Mugambe said.

The incumbent mayor accused the NUP vetting committee of conducting a fraudulent and biased process, claiming he was unfairly dropped despite having strong grassroots support.

“I had strong support on the ground, but I still did not get the party card. It was clear from the start that the person I was up against had the party’s backing and influence,” Mugambe said.

“In NUP, the executive board is responsible for endorsing candidates, yet the person I was contesting against sits on that very board. Under those circumstances, it would have been a miracle for me to secure the party card,” he added.

By running as an independent, Mugambe will directly challenge Nubian Lee, the official NUP flag bearer, alongside other contenders expected to join the Nakawa mayoral race either as independents or on tickets from rival parties.

This controversy follows NUP’s release of its official candidates’ list on Friday, August 29, 2025. The party’s Election Management Committee, chaired by Harriet Chemutai, announced the final endorsements, leaving several aspirants, Mugambe included, disappointed.

The party leadership later advised those dissatisfied to seek redress through the Secretariat.

Mugambe’s defiance signals a possible split in NUP’s support base in Nakawa, setting the stage for a fierce contest between party loyalists and independents in one of Kampala’s most competitive divisions.