The growing friction between NBS Television and the National Unity Platform (NUP) appears to have intensified during this campaign season, with reports suggesting that the party has instructed its candidates not to participate in NBS’s political debate programs.
The Naguru-based station recently rolled out a constituency-focused political debate segment, bringing together candidates contesting for the same seats to present their agendas before voters.
However, observers have noted a consistent absence of NUP flag bearers from all the debates held so far.
According to NBS TV, NUP candidates have failed to turn up for three consecutive debates without providing any official explanation.
The first incident occurred in October, when Zahra Maala Luyirika did not appear for her scheduled debate.
The trend continued earlier this month when Ali Mulyanyama also failed to attend, and most recently Zambali Bulasio Mukasa skipped the debate for Nansana Municipality over the weekend.
The party has not issued any official response to confirm or deny the allegations circulating widely across social media about a reported ban.
Meanwhile, NBS continues to host debates with the available candidates as the election season intensifies.