Ugandan singer and National Unity Platform (NUP) entertainment head, Buken Ali (Nubian Li), has officially announced his bid for the Nakawa Division Mayorship in the 2026 general elections. However, his candidacy has sparked division among NUP members and artists, as some musicians within the party support his opponent, Godfrey Luyombya.
A Divided Entertainment Sector
Nubian Li, a longtime associate of NUP President Bobi Wine, is one of the most prominent figures in the party’s entertainment wing. However, his political aspirations have triggered internal conflict within the NUP music fraternity.
Supporting Nubian Li:
- King Saha
- Zex Bilangilangi
- Dax Vibes
- Other NUP-aligned artists
Backing Godfrey Luyombya:
- Aziz Azion (Managed by Luyombya)
- Nina Roz
- Other Nakawa-based musicians
Recently, Aziz Azion and Nina Roz appeared at an event organized by Luyombya in Nakawa, signaling their endorsement of his mayoral bid.
Why is Luyombya a Strong Contender?
Current Nakawa Division Speaker – Luyombya has experience in local governance.
Has deep roots in the entertainment industry – Currently manages musician Aziz Azion.
Enjoys strong support among Nakawa-based artists and political figures.
Despite this, Nubian Li remains a formidable contender, largely due to:
His close ties with Bobi Wine and the NUP leadership.
Grassroots popularity in Nakawa due to his long-standing activism.
Strong backing from influential NUP artists and party members.
Who Will NUP Endorse?
The decision on who will receive the official NUP endorsement rests with the party’s Elections Management Committee. Over the coming months, the party will assess both candidates before declaring its final pick for the 2026 mayoral race.