Mukono Municipality Mayor Erisa Mukasa Nkoyoyo, who recently lost the National Unity Platform (NUP) party ticket, has officially nominated as an independent candidate and vowed to use a “nose ring” strategy to challenge the party’s endorsed candidate, Robert Peter Kabanda.
Nkoyoyo, a certified veterinary doctor, says he will leverage his experience in the animal industry—particularly his expertise in handling nose rings for livestock—to “drag” his opponent out of the path to victory.
“I have experience in treating animals and know how to fix nose rings, especially in pigs. I am going to fix one in my opponent and drag him out of my way to victory,” Nkoyoyo said.
The mayor lost the NUP ticket after the party questioned his trustworthiness and loyalty.
On several occasions, he was seen attending National Resistance Movement (NRM) functions, including events in Kyankwanzi.
Nkoyoyo, however, has defended himself, insisting his appearances were always meant to lobby for the people of Mukono.
Despite Nkoyoyo’s confidence, Kabanda remains undeterred. The NUP focal person for Greater Mukono has urged candidates who lost party tickets, like Nkoyoyo, to respect the party’s decisions and support endorsed candidates.
“Nkoyoyo should retire, stay home, and take care of his life,” Kabanda remarked.
However, many party hopefuls are ignoring such advice. Nearly all candidates who lost NUP tickets at the councilor level have opted to contest as independents.
Previously, Mukono MP Betty Nambooze encouraged them to run independently, saying the power of the people outweighs party politics.
Nkoyoyo, a longtime ally of Nambooze and other local politicians including Annet Nanfuna, Romeo Augustine, Peter Mwaka, Ronald Ssenabulya, and John Ronald Ssebunya (aka Owakasasiro), has joined a growing list of independent candidates seeking to challenge party-endorsed contenders in Mukono Municipality.
The race is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle of party loyalty versus personal ambition, with voters now positioned to decide whether experience, connections, or party backing will carry the day.
English 