Mukono, Uganda
There is a significant political shift in Mukono South Politics.
Johnson Muyanja Ssenyonga, the former National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag bearer and ex-Member of Parliament for Mukono South County, has announced his decision to join the National Unity Platform (NUP) party.
This move is set to reshape the political landscape of Mukono South County, as NUP reportedly plans to officially unveil Ssenyonga at their headquarters in Makerere Kavule on Monday.
Ssenyonga, who previously served as the chairperson of the parliamentary Buganda caucus, has decided to align with NUP, highlighting a notable change in his political strategy.
Mukono South County stands out in Mukono district as the only constituency where NUP did not secure a victory in the last general elections.
In that race, NUP’s candidate Wilson Male was defeated by Fred Kayondo of the Democratic Party (DP).
As the 2026 elections approach, a host of new candidates emerge, each with plans to challenge Kayondo and claim the seat.
After finishing third in the previous election under the NRM banner, Muyanja aims to reclaim his position in the constituency with NUP’s backing.
This decision also relieves Betty Nambooze, Muyanja’s long-term friend and counterpart in Mukono Municipality, who had been concerned about rumours of Muyanja being persuaded by NRM to run against her.
The focus now shifts to Wilson Male, the current NUP flag bearer for Mukono South, who is also intent on retaining his position.
Other notable contenders for the NUP party card include Robert Maseruka, a former guild president of Makerere University with strong support from top NUP officials, and Merhab Nalumu, who previously ran for Woman Member of Parliament under the DP ticket and has now joined NUP.
Additionally, Dr. Robert Kikulwe, a resident of Mukono South, has expressed interest in the card.
Should the competition within NUP become too intense, sources close to Muyanja suggest he may consider running for the position of LC5 chairperson, currently held by Rev. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa of NUP.
With Muyanja’s departure, the NRM is left with a vacancy in Mukono South.
Kateregga Richard Mivule, who lost to Muyanja in the last primary, is now set to run again, facing competition from Nakisunga Sub County Chairperson Mubarak Ssekikubo, who also seeks the NRM card.
Additionally, Tadeo Kintu is gathering support under the Patriotic League Movement (PLU), adding another dimension to the evolving political dynamics in Mukono South.
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