Voters in Jinja Northern Division are grappling with an unusual political contest as three well-known journalists go head-to-head for a single councilor seat at Jinja City Council.
The race has drawn wide attention in Jinja City, with residents debating which of the three media practitioners-Mr Ivan Mutyaba (PFF), Mr Twahiri Damulira (Indep), and Mr Joel Balondemu (Indep)-is best positioned to represent them over the next five years.
Mr Mutyaba, a seasoned journalist with Busoga One FM, said years of reporting on local government have prepared him for leadership.
‘I have been in the field for so long, and I know exactly what the people of my area want,’ he told Monitor.
He said he was driven to join the race after watching incumbents struggle in council sessions.
‘For 13 years, I’ve covered council sessions and seen councilors struggle to articulate issues affecting their areas, even in English. I understand council operations, and I’m confident I can make a difference,’ he said.
Mr Mutyaba argued that journalists often see leadership gaps firsthand but rarely get the opportunity to address them directly.
His rival, Mr Twahiri Damulira of Baba FM, is the sitting councilor for Bugembe Ward, but recent restructuring merged Bugembe, Mafubira and Budondo-placing him in direct competition with fellow journalists.
‘Two journalists are contesting the same seat with me, but I am the sitting councilor,’ Mr Damulira said. ‘These areas were merged, but I am seeking another term because I know what my people want. I have served them financially and through lobbying. Let voters judge us critically and my records speak for me.’
Mr Damulira said he does not oppose anyone’s ambition but believes experience will guide voters.
‘We journalists do not need to decide who steps aside for who. It is the voters who will choose. My record is clear,” he said.
Mr Joel Balondemu, a news anchor at Busoga Royal FM, said he has long prepared for the 2026 political contest.
‘After the 2021 elections, I openly announced that I would contest for the councilor seat in 2026. I showed interest first. My colleagues should honor that,’ he said.
He added that despite several discussions, journalists failed to agree on a single candidate.
Residents, however, say what matters is service delivery, not professional background.
‘We have no problem with the three journalists contesting. They all live among us. Our only concern is who will serve us better,’ said Ms Jane Nabaweesi of Mafubira.
Ms Amiina Mwesigwa of Bugembe said journalists should consider unity in future elections to avoid confusing voters.
The contest forms part of a heated political climate in Jinja Northern Division ahead of next years general elections. Sixteen contenders, including prominent journalist Mr Hussein Muyonjo alias Swengere, are eyeing the parliamentary seat through next year’s January 15 polls.
Thirteen candidates, including the three journalists, are battling for the Jinja North council seat.