Bukomansimbi, Uganda | August 2025
Dr. Nabadda Sitenda Madrine Zzimbe, granddaughter of Uganda’s first Chief Justice, Benedicto Kiwanuka, has emerged as the frontrunner in the Bukomansimbi Woman Member of Parliament (MP) race, according to a new opinion poll.
The survey, conducted by an independent journalist in the Masaka sub-region, placed Dr. Nabadda well ahead of her rivals with 47.46% of the projected vote.
Her closest challenger, Hon. Ruth Katushabe, polled 20%, while incumbent MP Veronica Nanyondo Namaganda registered 10.90%. The rest of the candidates trail in single digits.
Poll Highlights
Top Contenders:
- Dr. Nabadda Sitenda Madrine Zzimbe – 47.46%
- Ruth Katushabe – 20%
- Veronica Nanyondo Namaganda – 10.90%
Voter Sample: 1,495 respondents across all sub-counties and town councils in Bukomansimbi District.
Age Demographics: 61% youth (18–35 years), 29% older voters, 5.6% teenagers (13–17 years), 4.4% opinion leaders.
Gender Breakdown: 58% female, 42% male.
Why Nabadda Is Leading
Dr. Nabadda, a seasoned veterinary professional, national leader, and former Vice President of the Uganda Veterinary Association, has won over Bukomansimbi voters through a mix of professional credibility, strong Catholic Church ties, and her noble Buganda lineage.
Her identity as a granddaughter of the late Chief Justice Ben Kiwanuka, a national independence-era icon, has boosted her appeal across generations.
Despite criticism over her departure from the Democratic Party (DP), her supporters view the move as a strategic reflection of shifting political realities.
Political Dynamics
While Dr. Nabadda’s lead is commanding, analysts warn that Bukomansimbi has a history of late election surprises, often influenced by grassroots mobilization, religion, and Buganda kingdom sentiments.
Ruth Katushabe (20%)
The former Bukomansimbi North MP and current NRM flag bearer faces multiple challenges: declining trust in the NRM brand, negative associations with her husband’s past scandals, difficulty engaging youth voters, and stiff competition in traditional NRM strongholds.
In rural sub-counties such as Kibinge (298 respondents polled) and Butenga Rural (277 polled), Katushabe is underperforming against Nabadda due to stronger Catholic networks and grassroots mobilization favoring the frontrunner.
Veronica Nanyondo Namaganda (10.90%)
The incumbent MP, once a strong NUP figure, has seen her support erode due to strained relations with NUP and alleged alliances with the Democratic Forum (DF).
She risks political irrelevance unless she mends ties with the party and reinvigorates her base.
Other Candidates’ Standing
- Nakawungu Harimah (6.50%) – Veteran politician, now independent; weakened by party-switching and NRM baggage.
- Nakabugo Faridah (5.50%) – New face, but credibility damaged by false NUP endorsement claims and academic doubts.
- Nakato Shakira (2.70%) – Young, social media-driven “TikTok generation” candidate; energetic but lacks substance and rural reach.
- Nalujja Aisha (1.94%) – NRM-leaning independent with minor appeal among disaffected party supporters.
- Others (3% collectively) – Birimukatonda Eva Norah, Nalukenge Zulaikah, Babirye Liliane, and others have minimal visibility and negligible impact.
- Undecided voters (2%) – A small but potentially influential group in sub-counties such as Kagologolo TC, Kigangazi TC, and Bukango.
Outlook
With less than 2% undecided voters, Dr. Nabadda’s lead appears firm, though analysts stress that late campaign shifts—especially along religious and cultural lines—could still shake the race.
If the poll’s trend continues, Bukomansimbi may be poised for a generational and political transition, with Dr. Nabadda Sitenda Madrine Zzimbe likely to unseat the incumbent and redefine the district’s political landscape.
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