A fierce political contest is unfolding in Mawokota County South Constituency, Mpigi District, where seven candidates are vying for the parliamentary seat amid perennial concerns over land grabbing and the plight of evicted fishmongers, which have taken centre stage in the campaigns.
The race pits the incumbent, Yusuf Nsibambi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), against six challengers. These include three-time contestant and former two-term National Resistance Movement (NRM) MP, now running as an independent, Mr John Bosco Lubyayi Sseguya, and the NRM’s official flagbearer, Ms Susan Nakawuki Nsambu.
Also in the contest are the current district chairperson running on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket, Mr Martine Ssejjemba; Democratic Party (DP) candidate; Mr Benon Nsamba, who is also the Buwama Sub-county LC5 councillor, and two other independents, Mr Tusuubira Ssozi Sobabu and Mr Joseph Lubega. Land grabbing remains the most pressing issue for many voters, with all candidates pledging to address the challenge if elected.
Mr Nsibambi is campaigning under the slogan ‘Mawokota Empya’ (New Mawokota), the same message he used during his 2021 bid. This time, however, he is placing greater emphasis on infrastructure development, including extending power lines, installing street lights, and promoting economic empowerment through his ‘A to Z strategy.’ ‘My focus is on a new Mawokota with better infrastructure. We must ensure residents have money in their pockets. My A to Z strategy empowers farmers with inputs and market access,’ Mr Nsibambi said while campaigning in Nakibanga Village, Kayabwe Town Council. NUP’s Martine Ssejjemba is campaigning on the platform of political change and the rule of law.
‘Voters must trust NUP as the country’s only hope for change,’ Mr Ssejjemba said, pledging to prioritise improvements in education and health services. NRM’s Susan Nakawuki Nsambu has centred her campaign on gender equality and youth employment, with a focus on boosting household incomes.
‘With NRM, I want youth and women to have sustainable sources of income,’ Ms Nakawuki said, citing her recent donation of motorcycles to boda boda riders in Mbizzinya, Mitala Maria, Bukasa, Ggolo, and Kayabwe, as well as the distribution of coffee seedlings to farmers in Buwama, Nkozi, and Kituntu sub-counties, and Buwama Town Council. Mr Lubyayi is also focusing on improving household livelihoods, pledging to provide seed capital to community groups.
‘I will support women and youth groups as I did when I was in Parliament,’ he said, adding that he also plans to distribute piglets and calves to families to enhance household income. Meanwhile, DP’s Benon Nsamba has outlined an ambitious legislative agenda. ‘If elected, I want to table a Bill to restore presidential age and term limits,’ Mr Nsamba said while campaigning at Kanaani Cell, Bongole Ward, in Buwama Town Council. Beyond campaign pledges, residents say they want an MP who will resolve land conflicts, advocate for reduced taxes on goods and services, and closely monitor the delivery of social services. ‘We are tired of poverty. We need an MP who will fight for a reduction in taxes,’ said businessman Ahmed Lubulwa. ‘We want an MP who will monitor social services and ensure they benefit everyone, not just a selected group,’ added Annet Atai, a resident of Kantini Village in Kituntu Sub-county.
Although campaigns have largely remained peaceful, there have been isolated incidents of violence, prompting calls for increased security. Recently, individuals reportedly wearing yellow T-shirts allegedly attacked a NUP camp in Mitala Maria Trading Centre, injuring several of Mr Ssejjemba’s supporters, including his official campaign agent, Mr Joseph Ssenkumba, and a master of ceremonies identified as Mr Salin K. In a separate incident, a scuffle reportedly broke out in Kamaliba Village, Nkozi Sub-county, when the NRM District Chairperson, Mr Sulaiman Kaweesi, and his team allegedly confronted independent candidate John Bosco Lubyayi. Several of Mr Lubyayi’s aides and media personnel were reportedly injured, and his shirt was torn during the altercation. Residents have urged the Electoral Commission and the police to ensure adequate security for all candidates.
BACKGROUND
According to the 2024 National Population Census, Mawokota County South has a population of 129,636 people, with 73,260 registered voters spread across 174 polling stations. In the 2021 General Election, FDC’s Yusuf Nsibambi garnered 20,597 votes, followed by NRM’s Susan Nakawuki with 9,640 votes. Kenneth Joseph Kiyingi Bbosa (Independent) received 4,648 votes, NUP’s Joel Mirembe obtained 2,048 votes, while Joseph Walakira (Independent) secured 1,432 votes.