Mukono, Uganda. It’s just two years and a few months left to Uganda’s general election, but the political arena is already blazing with enthusiastic activity and strategic maneuvering.
Within this atmosphere of anticipation and speculation, one particular constituency in Mukono district stands out as a focal point of contention. This is Mukono Municipality, represented by Betty Nambooze Bakireke in Parliament.
With its critical position within the Kampala Metropolitan Area and its growing population exceeding 500,000 residents, the municipality has become a symbolic battleground for political forces vying for dominance.
Still, with each passing year, the municipality continues to attract new residents and businesses, further solidifying its status as a critical node within Uganda’s socio-political landscape.
Over the last three political terms, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has found itself grappling with the challenge of securing victory in this strategic constituency during general elections.
However, it has taken a long and hard time for the NRM to invest a lot of money to win the area from the opposition, with Betty Nambooze who started in the Democratic Party and later the National Unity Platform, winning as the area member of parliament for three consecutive 5-year terms.
Notable examples include Beatrice Yiga, Fatumah Ndisaba Nabitaka, the current Resident District Commissioner for Mukono district, and later Abasi Ssozi.
The primary reason for the party’s repeated defeats has predominantly stemmed from the representation of incompetent candidates fronted to contest against Nambooze. These politicians could ably articulate issues of national importance or even offer viable solutions to the issues that affect the common man.
However, amid the ongoing process of updating the National Resistance Movement party register, Mike Ssegawa, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Mukono District, has taken charge of the mobilisation of people at village levels to register ahead of the general election in 2016.
For several years, Ssegawa has demonstrated a strong inclination towards pursuing a significant political role in Mukono Municipality.
This inclination is further highlighted by his consistent campaign message, “Mukono Municipality Deserves Better,” which he has passionately adopted at various events. Such dedication serves as confirmation of his intentions in the political arena.
During his visit to Kirangira, Ngandu, and Industrial Area cells in Mukono Municipality, Ssegawa confirmed the NRM party had successfully registered a substantial increase in new members.
Wasswa Muhammad Takwana, the NRM Chairperson for Mukono Central Division, expresses optimism upon witnessing an increasing number of youths joining the party, believing it signals a potential shift in the political dynamics of the municipality.
He further highlights individuals like Ssegawa as exemplars, citing their demonstrated leadership abilities, solid academic credentials, and effective mobilisation skills.
Notably, Ssegawa’s academic excellence includes obtaining a BA Philosophy and Youth Studies, from the Catholic University in Nairobi-Kenya followed by a Post Graduate in Agricultural Communication from Oklahoma State University-USA. To further bolster his qualifications for leadership roles, Ssegawa has undertaken more governance and leadership courses.
Hajjat Madinah Nakaweesa, the NRM Chairperson for Kirangila Cell, holds the belief that with the presence of competent leaders within the party, they can regain the support of many voters who may have previously drifted away due to political trends.
She further emphasises the importance of having capable individuals in leadership positions who can effectively connect with voters on substantive issues, rather than relying solely on political waves to sway opinions.
“It is easy to win this area, now that the current legislator has been here for so long, has proved to have no new ideas and tactics leading to the political dimensions required for development. Since she has not groomed any leader to steer the wheel, then residents will choose for themselves,” Nakaweesa said.
This website has yet to confirm whether Nambooze will seek another term, especially given the likelihood that her current party, the NUP, may endorse other candidates, such as George Musisi, a legal assistant within the party.
This situation presents a significant dilemma for the controversial ‘Madam Teacher’ (Nambooze), whether to adhere to the party’s position and step aside for the endorsed candidate or to run independently without the NUP ticket.
Under the Patriotic League of Uganda movement, Dr Daisy Ssonko who stood for the position of Mukono Municipal Mayor and lost is gearing for the position of MP at the municipal level.
Though PLU has not gained political momentum within the entire district. Also, Andrew Ssenyonga who lost the NRM ticket and stood as an independent candidate for LC5 Chairperson before losing to Rev. Peter Bakaluba is planning to contest under the PLU movement.
Despite facing defeat by Nambooze in the previous elections, George Fred Kagimu, a steadfast member of the Democratic Party, remains resolute in his decision to once again vie for office.
Notwithstanding the electoral setback, Kagimu has chosen to maintain his candidacy and persevere in his pursuit of political representation.
If the current situation remains unchanged, the candidates mentioned, along with others, who are likely to run as independent candidates, will find themselves in direct competition with Mike Ssegawa if he successfully secures the NRM party ticket.
This sets the stage for a potentially intense electoral contest, with multiple candidates vying for the Mukono Municipality MP seat.
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