NUP Declines to Field Candidate in Adjumani By-Election, Backs Independent Patrick Tandrupasi

What the report says

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has decided not to field its own candidate in the upcoming Adjumani District parliamentary by-election and will instead support independent contender Patrick Tandrupasi, according to Nile Post. The race was triggered by the death of Adjumani MP Moses Ali.

NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya said several people had shown interest in seeking the party’s nomination, but the party would not issue a ticket to any of them. He said the decision was intentional and aimed at avoiding a repeat of problems the party believes affected the previous election in the area.

Tandrupasi is not new to the constituency race. He previously ran for the Adjumani seat in January on a Forum for Democratic Change ticket and is now returning as an independent with NUP’s backing. The move gives him the support of a major opposition party even though NUP is staying off the ballot under its own name.

More broadly, the decision suggests an opposition strategy focused on consolidating support behind one candidate rather than splitting votes among multiple challengers. As reported by Nile Post, NUP has not said it is withdrawing from political activity in Adjumani, only that it will not present a party flagbearer in this contest.