08/10/2025
Winifred Nakandi: From Party Loyalist to Defiant Independent — The Woman Set to Shake Up Nakawa East Politics
By Allan Kihumuro
In the charged political landscape of Uganda’s opposition, Winifred Nakandi has emerged as a symbol of resilience and principle — a politician determined to chart her own path despite the odds. Once a devoted member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Nakandi is now stepping out of the party’s shadow to run as an independent candidate for the Nakawa East parliamentary seat in the 2026 general elections.
Her decision has stirred debate within opposition circles, pitting her directly against Waiswa Mufumbiro, NUP’s deputy spokesperson and officially endorsed flagbearer. Yet, for many of Nakandi’s supporters, her move is less about rebellion and more about justice — a stand against what she calls “betrayal and internal unfairness” within the party she helped build from the grassroots.
A Loyal Member Pushed Aside
Winifred Nakandi’s relationship with NUP dates back to its formative years. She was among the early mobilizers in Kampala, passionately advocating for the party’s message of change and good governance. Her grassroots approach, ability to connect with ordinary citizens, and commitment to the NUP cause earned her widespread respect.
But that loyalty was tested when internal party processes began to fracture. Nakandi initially expressed interest in contesting for the Kampala Woman MP seat, only to withdraw amid allegations of irregularities in party card distribution — a process she says was marred by favoritism and manipulation.
“I stood with NUP from the beginning because I believed in fairness, transparency, and a new political culture,” she told supporters recently. “But when the very principles we stood for are undermined, you either stay silent or stand up. I chose to stand up.”
The Breaking Point
The final blow came when NUP leadership endorsed Mufumbiro as the Nakawa East flagbearer. For Nakandi, who had spent years organizing and building structures in the constituency, the move felt like a betrayal — not just to her personally, but to the voters who believed in her vision.
Insiders suggest Nakandi had overwhelming local support and was expected to easily secure the flag, but internal maneuvering shifted the outcome. Unwilling to abandon her supporters, she decided to run as an independent, vowing to give Nakawa East “a voice that truly represents the people, not party interests.”
A Campaign Rooted in the People
Nakandi’s campaign is quickly gaining momentum. Her message is simple but powerful: “The people first.” She is running on a platform of accountability, youth empowerment, and inclusive development — themes that resonate deeply with Nakawa East’s diverse population.
“Whether under a party or as an independent, I am still NUP at heart,” Nakandi has emphasized. “But I am also accountable to the people of Nakawa East, and I cannot abandon them because of internal politics.”
Her independence has drawn admiration from voters frustrated by the growing perception that party politics often override merit. Many believe Nakandi’s deep connection with the grassroots gives her an advantage that party machinery cannot easily replicate.
Set to Defeat Her Opponent
As 2026 approaches, political analysts predict that the Nakawa East race will be one of the most fiercely contested in Kampala. Mufumbiro may carry the NUP flag, but Nakandi carries something potentially more potent — public trust.
With a growing network of volunteers, community projects, and a message of authenticity, Nakandi’s campaign is shaping up as a serious threat to both the NUP establishment and the ruling party’s contenders. “She’s not just running — she’s proving a point,” says one local observer. “Nakandi represents a new generation of leaders who refuse to be silenced or sidelined.”
A Symbol of Defiance and Hope
Winifred Nakandi’s journey from party loyalist to independent contender captures a larger story within Uganda’s opposition movement — a struggle between principle and politics, between loyalty and truth.
As she prepares to take on the 2026 elections, Nakandi stands as both a symbol of defiance and a beacon of hope for those who still believe that integrity has a place in Ugandan politics.
Her story is far from over, but one thing is clear: in Nakawa East, the winds of change are blowing — and Winifred Nakandi is at the center of the storm.
