The political tide in Nakifuma County is shaping up with familiar faces and new ambitions.
Among the eight candidates vying for the parliamentary seat is Zulia Basiima, a seasoned journalist and social mobilizer known by station name as Nakapanka making her second attempt at representing the constituency.
In 2021, Basiima contested as an independent and managed to secure 3,171 votes against Stephen Ssimbwa, who won with 20,072 votes.
This time, she returns under the People First Front (PFF) party, convinced that Nakifuma’s future lies in electing leaders who live among the people and understand their daily struggles.
“My symbol is a phone,” she says proudly, emphasizing communication and accessibility as key pillars of her campaign.
“The biggest challenge we have in Nakifuma is that the people we elect disappear after elections. They run to the city, and our issues remain unresolved.”
Championing Women’s Voices and Family Stability
For Basiima, leadership is not just about representation—it’s about empathy and inclusivity. Her message to voters is clear: it’s time to give women a chance to lead.
“We’ve tried men; we’ve tried gentlemen,” she says. “This time, let us trust a lady. We, the ladies, don’t tell lies or make empty promises—we act.”
A mother and wife hailing from Naggalama Town Council, Basiima speaks passionately about domestic peace and family welfare, issues she says are often neglected in political conversations.
“Many women in Nakifuma live without peace in their marriages, and so do many men,” she notes. “I want to work on domestic violence, because peaceful families make a strong community.”
From Journalism to Community Empowerment
Before joining politics, Basiima made her mark as a journalist and trainer, using her platform to empower youth through vocational skills.
Over the years, she has trained more than 2,000 young people in Nakifuma Town Council, many of whom have since found employment or started small businesses.
“I’ve used my profession to serve,” she says. “Now I want to use a parliamentary platform to expand that service—to reach more youth, to bring jobs closer, and to make sure women and men live in dignity.”
A Grassroots Approach to Service Delivery
Basiima’s campaign is anchored on collaboration with local government structures.
She plans to work closely with district and sub-county leaders to ensure resources are efficiently used for road rehabilitation, healthcare, and education.
“When you look at our roads and health centers, the budgets are there, but the coordination is poor,” she explains. “As MP, I will work hand in hand with the LC5 chairperson and other district officials to make sure Nakifuma gets its fair share of development.”
Breaking the Wave Politics
Reflecting on her previous campaign, Basiima attributes her loss to what she calls “wave and sympathy voting.” She believes the electorate was swayed by emotional and party-based factors rather than the competence of individual candidates.
“This time, I’m calling upon the people of Nakifuma not to vote with the wave,” she says. “Let’s look for someone capable, responsible, and grounded. Someone who stays here and understands our pain.”
The Road Ahead
As the campaign season gains momentum, Nakifuma County is poised for a competitive race. With eight candidates in the field, the contest is likely to revolve around service delivery, local participation, and the credibility of promises made.
For Zulia Basiima, however, the message remains simple: leadership begins with listening.
“I’ve walked with the people of Nakifuma. I’ve trained their children. I’ve seen their challenges firsthand,” she says with conviction. “Now I’m ready to serve—not from a distance, but from within.”
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