The National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced a leadership overhaul of its Election Management Committee (EMC), appointing Harriet Chemutai as the new chairperson. Chemutai replaces Mercy Walukamba, who has led the committee since 2020.
The changes were revealed by NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya on Tuesday during a press briefing at the party’s headquarters in Makerere Kavule. Alongside Chemutai, Ivan Ssempijja was named deputy chairperson, forming what party leaders describe as a revitalized and dynamic team to steer electoral affairs ahead of the next general elections.
In other appointments, Ssebuufu John Mary will oversee the Central region, Achoka Egesa Eddie takes charge of Eastern Uganda, Loum Patrick will manage the Northern region, and Julian Kabagambe will be responsible for Western Uganda.
Additional appointments include Sultana Salim as the committee’s publicity secretary, Jonathan Elotu as legal secretary, Eddie Kayabula as general secretary, and Alex Lovans Lwanyaga serving as technical advisor.
Rubongoya thanked the outgoing committee for its service and called on the new team to execute its duties with integrity and resilience. He acknowledged delays in the party’s election roadmap, blaming consistent interference from security forces.
“We’ve faced unjustified disruptions by the police, even as the ruling NRM suspends parliament and cabinet to conduct its activities. It’s shameful,” he said.
Chemutai, a former NUP coordinator for the Sebei region, emphasized her commitment to transparency and party growth. “We are building a different kind of leadership—accountable and incorruptible. If we act like the NRM, we lose our reason to exist. I won’t tolerate bribery,” she said.
The new committee assumes its role at a critical time as NUP gears up to expand its national presence and prepare for 2026 general elections. Their mandate will be closely watched by both supporters and critics eager to see whether the party can deliver a more transparent and disciplined internal election process.
