Category: Daily Monitor

A political rally in Buwama Sub-county in Mpigi District descended into a fist-fight earlier today as supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for Mawokota South, Mr Martine Ssejjemba, clashed with supporters of the Independent candidate for the Mpigi District Woman MP seat, Ms Shallon Murungi Kaweesi.

The skirmish, which quickly degenerated into a fistfight, erupted after Ms Murungi and her loyalists attempted to join Mr Ssejjemba’s campaign procession.

The move was vehemently protested by a section of NUP supporters, who insisted the party already had an official candidate and incumbent, Ms Teddy Nambooze. The resulting confrontation turned into a fistfight, disrupting the scheduled campaign activities.

Ms Murungi opted to contest as an independent candidate after her attempts to snatch the party flag from Ms Nambooze were futile.

The opposition party leadership warned members against supporting independent candidates, especially those who had lost the party flag.

The situation was further complicated by the Electoral Commission (EC) programme, which had scheduled both Mr Ssejjemba and Ms Murungi to campaign concurrently in the same sub-county and parishes of Bulunda and Bunjakko, setting the stage for the current disorder.

President Museveni has urged the Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure roads are regularly maintained.

Speaking to residents in Agule, Pallisa District, Mr Museveni expressed concern that the ministry has all the equipment and resources it needs, but its staff are ‘sleeping on the job.’

‘I have cautioned Mr Katumba [Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport] and [his] people to wake up because [they have] all the road equipment like graders, rollers, excavators, loaders but roads remain in poor state,’ Mr Museveni said.

He added: ‘They continue to maintain some of these roads. For instance like the road that I used while coming looked like it just [been] done because of my coming. It had no murrum, it was not compacted and when it rains it turns into a swimming pool.’

The President also challenged the districts to fully utilise the equipment that were given to them.

‘Each district has its own equipment and addition of Shs1.3b. Where does this money go? If the money is not enough tell us so that we add more money,’ he said

Mr Museveni also challenged the district leaders to properly construct the roads. He cited the road he used, which had no water channels.

‘Were they making a road or swimming pool? The leaders should put more emphasis on supervision on these people,’ he said

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate also encouraged the public to embrace government programmes that are tailored to fight poverty.

‘As you have come here even poverty is also waiting for you, no sugar. So NRM wants its people to earn and be well,’ he said

He added: ‘People mix development with wealth. It is high time people engaged in productive enterprises.’

The Head of State said Pallisa District has 498 villages, of which 477, about 96 percent, have access to safe water, while 21 villages, or four percent, still lack clean water. He assured residents that the government is committed to ensuring every community gets access to safe drinking water.

Mr Museveni also emphasised that every parish should have a government-aided primary school and each sub-county a secondary school. Pallisa currently has 76 primary schools and nine secondary schools.

He further noted that under the NRM government, five seed secondary schools have been built in Pallisa.

‘We are building slowly. What you call history, I call it current affairs,’ he said.

He also noted the NRM has brought peace because of the strong institutions like army, police, and prisons.

Police in Jinja District have arrested a 22-year-old primary school teacher at Hamry Nursery and Primary School in Wanyange Hill for allegedly engaging in an unlawful sexual act with an 11-year-old boy.

Mr James Mubi, Kiira regional police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest of the suspect whose identity has been concealed to ease police investigation.

Mr Mubi said the suspect will face charges of aggravated homosexuality contrary to sections 2(1) and 3(1)(2)(a)(e) of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, once investigations are complete.

The law defines aggravated homosexuality as an offence committed against a child or by a person in authority over the victim.

Mr Mubi said the incident occurred on November 8, 2025, when the suspect allegedly lured the victim to his rented single-room residence in Musima Village, Wanyange, under the pretext of helping with household chores.

The boy reportedly washed clothes and cleaned the room before the alleged sexual assault took place.

Police preliminary investigations indicate that the teacher had previously been observed bringing young boys to his room, a behavior that had raised suspicion among the community.

A medical examination confirmed that the accused is of sound mind, and police say he has admitted to committing the offence.

Mr Mubi further emphasised that it is the responsibility of headteachers to implement measures preventing pupils or students from accessing teachers’ private premises, even when located within the school compound.

He added that this precaution should apply to both boys and girls.

Homosexuality is illegal under the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, which imposes severe penalties, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations.

Door-to-door treks by candidates to sell their manifestos continued to dominate the second day of search for votes in Kampala City.

The Electoral Commission (EC) flagged off campaigns for all parliamentary and district chairpersons (LC5), and mayors for the January 15 polls on Monday.

However, instead of large public rallies witnessed in the run up to the 2021 elections, many contestants from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, the Opposition, and Independents adopted door-to-door campaigns in the first two days.

Unlike the National Unity Platform (NUP) that launched joint campaign rallies for area MP candidates, Division mayors, and Lord Councillors (LCs), other contenders from various political parties, including NRM, were knocking on doors, seeking support one household at a time.

In Kawempe North, Ms Faridah Nambi, the NRM candidate, told residents of Kawempe I Parish that her campaign will focus on household engagements, with only three major rallies planned for January 2026.

‘My main initiative is door-to-door campaigns because most of the electorate would like [the candidates] to knock and ask for their vote physically. We’re also able to get first-hand feedback, which helps us prioritise the most pressing community demands,’ she said.

She was told about the daily struggles people face and the need for real change. ‘Unemployment is affecting everyone, and we need action. Kawempe is mostly composed of youths, many of whom find it hard to make ends meet,’ said Goret Nakibuuka, one of the residents who spoke to Nambi.

After her interaction with residents, Ms Nambi told the media she would prioritise youth access to jobs once elected.

Ms Nambi seeks to unseat Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who trounced her in the recent by-election that followed the death of late Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya.

Nakawa Division

In Nakawa Division, by 10am, the former Nakawa East MP, Mr Fredrick Ruhindi, who is the NRM flag bearer for the constituency, had already kicked off his door-to-door campaign.

Mr Ruhindi, a senior counsel, represented Nakawa East in Parliament from 2016 to 2021 before the seat was taken over by Mr Ronald Balimwezo.

Accompanied by a group of supporters, Mr Ruhindi started off in Kitawuluzi and Mbuya parishes, where he interacted with vendors and women working in local restaurants. He pledged improved service delivery once given another mandate.

‘Our people are not lazy. They only need a strong voice to represent them. They have tested the Opposition, and now is time [for NRM] to rescue our people in Nakawa,’ Mr Ruhindi said.

‘People want opportunities, they want skills training, capital for small businesses, and leaders who understand their struggles. That is why I am returning, because they deserve proper representation,’ he added.

FDC’s Moses Okwera Mugisha, who is running for the Nakawa East parliamentary seat launched his campaign at Kinawataka Katoogo Zone.

He told the residents the EC had allocated him only two days to campaign in the area.

He promised to move door- to -door to canvass support for FDC party president Nandala Mafabi as well the party candidates for Lord Mayor, division mayor, and councillors.

He promised to establish an FDC office within the parish to help address community issues and strengthen the party’s connection with grassroots supporters.

Rubaga Division

The Rubaga Division Speaker, Musa Mbaziira, launched his campaign to represent Rubaga South in Parliament on the ruling NRM ticket.

He pledged to replace what he termed as ‘comedy and unserious politics’ with focused leadership and community-driven development.

Mr Mbaziira, who was recently nominated after emerging top in the NRM party primaries, began his campaign with door-to-door engagements across parts of Ndeeba, Kabowa, and Mutundwe, where he met traders, youth groups, boda boda and taxi riders.

Unlike the previous election seasons that were marked by heavy security presence, the first day saw minimal security deployment, with the residents freely interacting with him as he moved through local markets and trading centres.

Meanwhile, NUP candidates in Rubaga South pledged to prioritise youth empowerment and improved health services in their community. During the launch of her campaign in Rubaga South, parliamentary aspirant Mugimba Nassolo said her focus will be on equipping young people and women with practical skills for self-reliance. ‘Youth and women make up the biggest portion of our population and are the next generation of leaders,’ Ms Nassolo said.

‘With the help of our youth leaders, we shall lobby for skilling initiatives and startup capital to help them create their own jobs and improve their livelihoods.’

Meanwhile, Mr Julius Katongole, the councillor for Rubaga South, echoed Ms Nassolo’s commitment to youth inclusion and service delivery.

He said his campaign is centred on increasing access to health services and creating platforms for young leaders to grow.

Meanwhile, NRM flag bearer for Rubaga North, Singh Katongole, on November 11 pledged to prioritise infrastructure development, improved livelihoods, and economic empowerment for women and boda boda riders if elected MP in the forthcoming polls.

During day two campaigns in Lungujja zone VII in Lubaga North yesterday, Mr Katongole said the constituency has for long suffered from poor roads, inadequate drainage systems, and limited access to essential social services.

He pledged to coordinate with the government and the local leadership to address the issues.

‘Our people deserve better roads, clean water, and working health centres,’ Katongole said.

‘Once elected, I will lobby the government to rehabilitate our major community roads, expand street lighting, and improve waste management to make Rubaga North a safer and more productive place for everyone.’

He promised to introduce programmes to professionalise the transport sector and help boda boda riders access affordable financing, training, and safety gear.

Police in Kisoro District are investigating a case of unlawful wounding following a violent political clash on November 12, 2025, at Gasiza Trading Centre, Nyarusiza Sub-County, Bufumbira South.

The Kigezi region police spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, identified the injured as Nelson Tumwesigye, Silvan Habyarimana, and Ronald Sibomana, all residents of Nyarusiza Sub-County.

Reports indicate that Sam Bitangaro, contesting the Bufumbira South MP seat as an independent after losing the NRM flag, was en route to a rally at Kwanyakwezi Trading Centre when he and his supporters passed through Gasiza.

There, they were allegedly set upon by supporters of Alex Niyonsaba, the ruling NRM flag-bearer, who wielded pangas, bottles, and sticks.

Several of Bitangaro’s supporters were reportedly beaten and cut, with some sustaining serious injuries.

‘The political clash was unnecessary because there was a program that was made for all candidates. Police shall not sit and watch people behave as if there is no rule of law. All the suspects that have been identified to have participated in this clash must be apprehended and prosecuted accordingly,’ ASP Maate said.

Upon receiving the alert, the District Police Commander (DPC) Kisoro rushed to the scene, rescued the victims, and ensured their evacuation to hospital for urgent medical attention.

Police have documented the crime scene thoroughly, and several suspects have been identified. Arrests are pending as investigations continue.

ASP Maate warned that political rivalries must not be used to justify violence and emphasized the police’s commitment to enforcing the law.

‘Police shall not sit and watch people behave as if there is no rule of law,’ he added.

The incident highlights growing tensions in Kisoro ahead of the 2026 elections, as candidates and their supporters mobilize across the region.

Authorities have called for calm and urged political actors to adhere to scheduled programs to prevent further clashes.

When you walk through the gates of Nyamitanga Technical Institute in Mbarara, the hum of machines, the scent of fresh sawdust, and the chatter of eager students tell a story, a story of transformation through skill.

Established in 1953 by the White Fathers Missionaries as a Rural Trade School, Nyamitanga has grown from just five students and two courses to nearly a thousand learners today, driven by a shared dream: to work, create, and be self-reliant.

Community embrace of vocational skilling Mr Gilvazio Bafaki, the principal, Nyamitanga Technical Institute says the community around Nyamitanga has come to understand one truth, the world of work demands skills, not just certificates.

The evidence is the continued to enrollment of students at the institute, convinced that hands-on training is the surest path to employability and entrepreneurship.

‘Many people in our community have realised that vocational training is the only way to work and be self-reliant. They have seen firsthand how our graduates are able to earn a living, start their own businesses, and even provide affordable services to the community,’ he says.

Beyond enrolling their children, locals have also partnered with the institute, providing various services and spreading the gospel of skills training.

Tackling misconceptions

Despite the growing appreciation, a few negative perceptions still linger. Some community members, due to limited information, continue to see vocational education as inferior to traditional academic routes. Others simply lack awareness of available career paths in technical fields.

To change this narrative, Mr Bafaki says they have taken a proactive approach, reaching out through career guidance in schools, and using media platforms to showcase success stories of skilled professionals.

‘We’ve shown the community examples from developed countries like South Korea, Turkey, France, Belgium, the USA, Rwanda, and Kenya, where I have personally benchmarked,’ he says. ‘Their development is rooted in skills development, and that’s the direction Uganda must take.’

Courses that build futures

Nyamitanga offers a range of national certificate courses including Building Construction, Woodwork Technology, Plumbing, Electrical Installation Systems and Maintenance, Automotive Mechanics, and Fashion and Design.

The programmes, which run for two years or in shorter three- to six-month modules, empower learners to either start their own businesses or secure formal employment.

‘These courses have changed lives,’ Mr Bafaki says.

‘Our trainees now contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s socioeconomic growth while offering affordable services to the community.’

The numbers speak volumes. From just 450 students in 2017, enrollment has now more than doubled to 990, with 226 females and 764 males. Additionally, over 300 students are currently enrolled in short courses.

This growth has been driven by deliberate outreach through career guidance in secondary schools, print and broadcast media, and social media platforms.

‘We are proud that more parents and young people now see vocational training as a viable, respected path,’ he says.

Power of partnerships

Nyamitanga’s partnerships have played a major role in skilling thousands of Ugandan youth. Through programmes like KCB Bank’s E4D Twekozese Programme, the institute has trained 568 students, 300 males and 268 females, in short courses such as Fashion and Design, Plumbing, Solar Energy, Carpentry, and Welding.

‘These partners have also linked our graduates to industrial placements and job opportunities. We continue to benefit from partnerships with organisations like Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), GIZ, Steel and Tube, Kakira Sugar Works, NWSC, and many others,’ management explained.

Government’s role in skilling Uganda

While Nyamitanga continues to thrive, there’s still room for government support. The institute urges the government to increase funding for infrastructure, provide more equipment and tools, and sponsor more students.

‘There’s also need for a booster fund, a loan scheme for vocational graduates, to help them start or grow their businesses,’ he says. ‘Instructors should also be retooled in new and advanced technologies to keep pace with industry demands.’

Inclusivity at its core

In a reflection of its inclusive spirit, Nyamitanga also trains refugees,14 of whom are currently enrolled.

Most prefer Electrical Installation, Automotive Mechanics, Building Construction, and Plumbing, motivated by the challenges of electricity and water supply in their settlements.

Looking ahead

For Nyamitanga Technical Institute, the journey is far from over. The administration believes that vocational training is the key to national transformation.

‘Vocational training transforms lives, fostering self-reliance and economic growth,’ Mr Bafaki says.

‘The world over, industrialisation has been built on the foundation of skills. We pray that Uganda, too, continues on this path, and that the new TVET Act 2025 will guide us toward achieving Vision 2040.’

The High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against Bujenje County Member of Parliament Patrick Kasumba, ruling that the complainants acted fraudulently in a disputed land transaction involving a prime property on Martin Road in central Kampala.

Justice Immaculate Busingye Byaruhanga of the Land Division delivered the ruling, finding that the complainants, Brig Samuel Mutesasira Wasswa and businessman Charles Ggingo Mujje, never lawfully acquired any interest in the property and that their dealings with the Departed Asians Property Custodian Board (DAPCB) were fraudulent.

‘The sale of the suit property between the plaintiffs is invalid,’ Justice Byaruhanga ruled on Wednesday, adding: ‘The 2nd defendant’s cancellation of the sale of the suit property to the 1st plaintiff was lawful since the Expropriated Properties Act had come into force.’

The court ordered the eviction of Mujje from the property, absolving Kasumba of wrongdoing in his role as a transaction lawyer representing the family of the late Col Moses Kayima, also known as Drago, who had been the sitting tenant on the land.

Court records show that Kasumba, a lawyer with Kasumba, Kugonza and Company Advocates, had been accused of fraud in the transfer of the land formerly owned by Col Drago.

The case before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court had been stayed pending resolution of the civil dispute.

In the civil case, Brig Wasswa and Mujje had sued eight parties, including the Attorney General, DAPCB, the Commissioner for Land Registration, Teopista and Jesus Holdings (U) Ltd, and members of the late Drago’s family – who were represented by Kasumba.

Justice Byaruhanga found that the family of the late Col Drago were the rightful beneficiaries of the property, which devolved to them upon his death.

‘.the late Drago was a sitting tenant on the suit land by virtue of occupancy and as such the suit property devolved onto his estate. The 5th-9th defendants’ claim for the property as the beneficiaries of the late Drago was lawful,’ the judge held.

She dismissed the allegations of fraud against Kasumba, ruling that there was no sufficient evidence to support them.

‘The Brig Wasswa bought the suit property from the Central Waste Management and not the 5th-9th defendants,’ Justice Byaruhanga said, adding: ‘Much as the transfer forms indicate that it is the 5th-9th defendants who transferred to the 1st defendant (Teopista and Jesus Holdings), the evidence of Maureen Kamya is to the effect that they signed blank transfer forms while effecting transfer to Central Waste Management.’

The court established that the Drago family had sold the property to Central Waste Management Limited on January 15, 2013, which later sold it to Teopista and Jesus Holdings (U) Ltd on June 12, 2013.

Justice Byaruhanga concluded that documents used by Brig Wasswa and Mujje were forged and that one of the defendants, Hamidah Kayima, ‘did not participate in the transactions nor append her signature on the sale to Central Waste Management.’

The ruling effectively ends the long-running legal battle and clears MP Kasumba of criminal liability in the contested property case.

The Uganda Co-operative Savings and Credit Union (UCSCU), the umbrella body for Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), has dismissed media reports claiming SACCOs must register with the Bank of Uganda (BoU), describing the directive as misleading and legally baseless.

Speaking during a media engagement in Kampala on Wednesday, UCSCU Chairperson Col Allan Kitanda Tom said the current regulatory environment remains conflicted, with overlapping laws creating confusion among SACCO stakeholders.

‘The confusion arises from inconsistencies between the Cooperative Societies Act, the Tier 4 Microfinance Institutions and Money Lenders Act, and the Microfinance Deposit-Taking Institutions (MDI) Act, all of which assign regulatory authority to different entities,’ Col Kitanda said.

He explained that SACCOs currently fall under the supervision of three bodies; the Ministry of Finance, which absorbed the functions of the dissolved Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority (UMRA); the Bank of Uganda, which seeks to regulate large SACCOs; and the Registrar of Cooperatives, who registers and supervises all SACCOs regardless of size.

The number of SACCOs in Uganda has surged to over 30,000, reflecting an increase of 26,034 between 2015 and March 2025, according to government data.

On Wednesday, Col Kitanda argued that Parliament’s 2022 amendment to the MDI Act removed provisions that would have placed large SACCOs under BoU supervision.

‘Parliament reversed its earlier position and deleted the proposed provisions for large SACCOs from the MDI Amendment Bill 2022. The Act was assented to by the President without any provisions for SACCOs. Therefore, the MDI Registered Societies Regulations issued afterward have no legal basis,’ he said.

UCSCU has filed a legal challenge (HCCS No. 0130 of 2024) at the High Court’s Civil Division to seek judicial clarity on the matter, which remains pending.

Col Kitanda emphasised that SACCOs are not opposed to prudential regulation, but are calling for a single, unified law and regulator to safeguard cooperative principles and protect members’ savings.

‘We want to preserve our cooperative identity and ensure SACCOs continue to grow under a clear, consistent, and fair legal environment. SACCOs remain legally registered and operational under the Cooperative Societies Act, and they should not be forced to register again with the Bank of Uganda,’ he said.

Outgoing UCSCU Chairperson Jalia Bintu Lukumu urged SACCOs and the public to disregard reports suggesting BoU is now the mandatory regulator.

‘Until Parliament enacts a single, harmonized law, SACCOs will continue functioning under the authority of the Registrar of Cooperatives,’ she said.

Johnbosco Atwijukire, General Manager of Kyamuhunga Peoples SACCO, said conflicting regulations have created uncertainty for SACCO operations, partnerships, and membership growth.

‘From what we have learnt from neighbouring countries where SACCOs are successful like in Kenya, they have independent authorities that regulate, supervise, and mandate the activities of SACCOs, and that’s what we are requesting for,’ he added.

The Bank of Uganda was not immediately available for comment when repeatedly contacted on Wednesday.

Police in Masaka have arrested 10 people in connection with the alleged involvement in theft of motorcycles in Masaka City and its environs.

The suspects who are currently in detention at Nyendo Police Station in Nyendo -Municipality were arrested in an operation in which police also recovered 40 motorcycles which are said to be stolen.

According to police, the operation targeted spare shops and garages in Nakayiba, Kayirikiti, Villa Road and in Nyendo, a Masaka city suburb among other areas in Masaka.

Preliminary police investigations indicate that the robbers have been stealing motorcycles and selling them to dealers of spare parts which they dismantle and re-sell as spare parts.

Police identify some of the suspects as Godfrey Ssebowa who operates a garage in Nyendo from which police recovered 12 motorcycles, at Joseph Muwonge’s garage four motor cycles were recovered and seven number plates among others.

Southern Regional Police Spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed the arrests, saying operations to crack down on people involved in motorcycle robbery are still going on and asked those involved in this vice to stop it because they risk being arrested.

‘This region has been stuck with the challenge of motorcycle thefts, in which several cyclists have lost their lives, these arrests we hope, are going to help in reducing this vice, most of the motorcycles recovered did not have proper documentation -an indication that they could be stolen,’ he added.

Motorcyclists have welcomed the crackdown saying that it will help them get some relief because the area has been stuck with the challenge of high cases of motorcycle theft.

‘We appreciate the security agencies in the region that this time round they have come out to conduct the operation in garages, it’s unfortunate that the garages where we take our motorcycle for repair, are the ones that are involved in theft of motorcycles, we pray that the suspects are prosecuted so that the killed cyclists can get justice,’ Andrew Batema, a motorcyclist in Nyendo said.

The suspects have however dismissed the claims saying that they are being framed by business rivals.

‘It’s true we buy motorcycles, but we don’t buy motorcycles that don’t have proper documentation, we have never received any complaints from any motorcycle we have sold in the past, this could be a business rivalry which we expect that police can investigate this and tell the public the right people who are involved in motorcycle thefts in the region,’ Ssebowa, one of the suspects said.

The political scene in Rakai District is experiencing a significant shift as the National Unity Platform (NUP) and independent candidates continue to lead in local politics, challenging the long-standing dominance of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which has held power in the area for a long time.

From Buyamba Constituency to Kooki Constituency, the winds of change appear to be blowing strongly against the NRM camp.

Cracks in the NRM fortress For four decades, Rakai has been an NRM stronghold. But as the January 2026 general election draws closer, voter sentiment seems to be shifting. The once-solid

‘Museveni vote’ is being eroded by growing discontent among the youth, who cite unemployment, poor service delivery, and corruption as key reasons for seeking change.

‘The youth are tired of empty promises,’ says Mr James Kakaire, a resident of Kasankala Sub-county. ‘They want leaders who can relate to their struggles, not those who have stayed in power for decades with nothing to show.’

Mr Kakaire adds that Rakai has only six kilometres of tarmac despite President Museveni’s long-standing pledge to construct the Lumbugu-Lwamaggwa-Lyantonde Road.

At the centre of this political storm is Ms Juliet Ssuubi Kinyamatama, the incumbent District Woman MP, who has represented Rakai since 2016 on the NRM ticket. She now faces what could be her toughest race yet.

Her two main challengers, Ms Asha Lubyayi Kayanja, running as an independent after disputed NRM primaries, and Ms Grace Nalubega, the NUP flagbearer, have significantly weakened her hold on the electorate.

Elly Kayanja factor and a family rift

Retired Maj Gen Elly Kayanja, a respected figure in Rakai, recently criticised the NRM’s internal processes, alleging widespread malpractice during the July party primaries.

His sister, Ms Asha Lubyayi Kayanja, lost to Ms Kinyamatama in the Woman MP race but contested the outcome, accusing the incumbent of using state machinery to intimidate voters.

Despite her petition to the NRM Secretariat, Ms Kayanja’s case was dismissed, and she was advised to support the official flagbearer, a directive she rejected before declaring her independent candidacy.

‘Kayanja’s decision to stand as an independent has split the NRM vote,’ explains political analyst Mr David Ssenkungu.

‘Her supporters, especially women and youth groups, now see her as a symbol of resistance against injustice within the party.’

The split has also worked to the advantage of NUP’s Grace Nalubega, who is drawing support from voters frustrated by the NRM’s internal wrangles.

Observers believe that the combination of Kayanja’s defiance and Nalubega’s rising popularity could cost the ruling party dearly in a Woman MP race it has held for over two decades.

Buyamba Constituency

In Buyamba Constituency, Mr Gyaviira Ssemwanga, the incumbent MP and NRM flagbearer, who sailed through unopposed in 2021, now faces stiff competition from veteran politician Amos Mandela, who once held the seat between 2011 and 2016 before losing to Mr Ssemwanga in the 2021 NRM primaries.

This time, Mr Mandela has returned to the political arena as an independent, capitalising on voter frustration over internal wrangles within the NRM.

‘Mandela’s comeback is driven by anger,’ says Mr Kakaire.

‘Many voters feel cheated in the primaries and want to express that at the ballot box.’

Adding to Mr Ssemwanga’s woes is Mr Osborn Desire Kayima, a youthful NUP candidate who has quickly captured the hearts of young voters. His energetic campaign, built around messages of inclusivity, accountability, and youth empowerment, is drawing growing crowds across trading centres in the constituency.

‘Young people in Buyamba are mobilising themselves,’ says campaign volunteer Moses Asiimwe. ‘They want to prove that the days of NRM dominance in the constituency are numbered.’

Kooki Constituency

Across Kooki Constituency, the political equation has shifted dramatically since Mr Boaz Kasirabo, the long-serving legislator, declined to seek re-election for personal reasons.

His departure opened the field for new entrants, with Mr Didas Kabumbuza Tayebwa, the NRM flagbearer, emerging as a frontrunner.

Mr Kasirabo’s supporters say he encouraged them to ‘look for another capable leader’, a move widely interpreted as a silent endorsement of Tayebwa’s bid.

‘Tayebwa has exhibited political maturity and a deep understanding of local issues,’ says Ms Grace Nabirye, a teacher from Kyalulangira.

‘People feel he can represent them in Parliament better.’ The race, however, remains competitive.

Mr Eriab Ssango of NUP has emerged as Tayebwa’s main challenger, while Lecoboam Ssengabi of the Democratic Front (DF) Party and independent candidate Samuel Ssengabi are also in the race.

Analysts describe it as a two-horse race between Tayebwa and Ssango, reflecting the broader national struggle between independents and NUP in regions once considered NRM bastions. They attribute the shift to three main factors: the growing influence of youth voters, divisions within the NRM, and widespread dissatisfaction with local governance.

The district’s poor roads, dilapidated health facilities, and struggling schools have fuelled resentment among residents who feel left behind by a government that has been in power for four decades.

‘We vote in every election, but our livelihoods don’t change,’ says Ms Harriet Namubiru, a trader from Lwamaggwa Town.

‘Maybe it’s time to try something different.’ As campaigns intensify ahead of the 2026 general election, one thing is clear: Rakai District has become a key battleground in Uganda’s evolving political future.

Whether the NRM can reclaim its lost ground, or whether NUP and independents complete their takeover, remains to be seen.