On May 6, 2025, Kigombya North village in Mukono district was abuzz with excitement as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) village committee elections took center stage.
President Museveni cast his vote in Rwakitura’s “baraza,” while Kigombya North residents focused on a local showdown between Salongo Mazinga and Shadrach Kirarire, two longtime friends turned rivals vying for the NRM village chairman’s seat.
Despite the rain-soaked election day, Mazinga remained undeterred. He mobilized supporters through WhatsApp groups, sending texts and voice notes to rally youths, elders, men, and women.
“Today, we win!” he declared in a shared clip, his voice piercing through the downpour. His supporters, drenched but committed, stood firm behind him.
Kirarire, on the other hand, appeared confident initially, handing out coins and promises.
However, his campaign faltered when his financiers mysteriously vanished. As the rain continued to fall, his optimism waned, though he still trudged to the polling ground, banking on his charm.
The village square turned tense as voters lined up behind their preferred candidate.
Mazinga’s line was long and lively, while Kirarire’s was shorter and less enthusiastic. A brief scuffle erupted when a supporter waved a stick, but police quickly restored order.
When the rain stopped, the results were stark: Mazinga had crushed Kirarire. Kirarire’s political hopes were shattered, leaving him isolated and disappointed. Mazinga’s massive win sparked celebrations, with supporters dancing in the mud.
“Kigombya North has its leader!” Mazinga exclaimed, lifted by his cheering crowd.
Kirarire, devastated and disillusioned, blamed his absent financiers and voters who took his money but didn’t vote for him.
He shuffled to a local bar, his last coins jingling, where he drank and grumbled about the villagers’ betrayal.
As Kigombya North celebrated Mazinga’s victory, Kirarire’s defeat became village gossip – a tale of one man outsmarting another, highlighting that in politics, promises and cash can’t beat a smart campaign and effort, even on a rainy day.
English 