Dan Lugoloobi, a veteran People Power activist and National Unity Platform (NUP) mobilizer, has declared his intention to unseat long-serving Member of Parliament Betty Nambooze Bakireke in the 2026 general elections.
Lugoloobi’s announcement, made during a press conference in Seeta, Goma Division, signals a significant internal shake-up within the NUP.
The declaration comes after years of loyalty to Nambooze, who has represented the municipality for four consecutive terms and is widely regarded as an opposition stalwart.
Once Nambooze’s chief campaigner, Lugoloobi has now emerged as her most serious political challenger.
He says the time has come for new leadership in Mukono, citing prolonged health-related absences by the incumbent and what he views as a decline in her political effectiveness.
“I am not new in politics,” Lugoloobi noted. “Many of our comrades have retired, others have passed on, but we cannot resign from our duty to transform our communities. That is why I am stepping forward to replace Nambooze.”
He revealed that consultations with community stakeholders had shown widespread support for change.
According to Lugoloobi, many people in Mukono feel left behind despite the area’s proximity to Kampala and its strategic location.
Lugoloobi did not shy away from discussing the health concerns surrounding MP Nambooze.
He suggested that her year-long treatment in the United States had left a leadership gap in the constituency.
While acknowledging her past contributions, he argued that Mukono now needs a full-time, active representative.
“We gave her time to recover. She asked for more time to make up for what she lost while in treatment, and we agreed,” he said. “But this time, if she is not ready to leave peacefully, we may have to encourage her to step down.”
This remark, though controversial, was met with applause from his supporters who accompanied him, reflecting growing sentiments among some constituents that Nambooze’s tenure may be approaching its natural end.
Lugoloobi laid out a detailed development plan focused on grassroots empowerment, political education, and service delivery.
Among his key proposals are establishing a local leadership training center in Mukono to mentor future leaders, creating parish-level development groups with start-up capital and community support infrastructure, and forming a SACCO specifically for elected leaders to ensure financial dignity and independence.
Other plans include setting up a youth employment center and a fully functional youth hub, and collaborating with local professionals to provide pro bono services in engineering, health care, and education.
Lugoloobi emphasized that Mukono has the talent and resources to thrive, but poor leadership and mismanagement have held the area back.
He pledged to regularly engage with schools, hospitals, and businesses to ensure accountability and responsive representation.
Rising Support from the Grassroots
Lugoloobi’s campaign is already drawing endorsements from within NUP’s grassroots structure.
Godfrey Mubiru, the NUP Chairman for Ntinda LC I in Seeta Parish, expressed confidence that Lugoloobi represents the future of Mukono’s leadership.
“We are close to Kampala, yet among the most underserved towns in Uganda. That is why we say Mukono deserves better,” Mubiru said.
Juliet Namugerwa, a local NUP activist, criticized the current state of public services in Mukono, pointing to the garbage-choked Kame Valley Market and inadequate maternity facilities as failures of the incumbent leadership.
Reforming Uganda’s Legislative Culture
Beyond constituency issues, Lugoloobi offered a broader critique of Uganda’s Parliament.
He described a Parliament dominated by self-serving politicians and called for what he termed “common man’s legislation,” referring to laws focused on practical, people-centered outcomes.
Citing examples such as exorbitant traffic fines and a lack of awareness around key legal processes, he said Parliament has lost touch with the citizens it is supposed to represent.
He blamed this on the dominance of the ruling party in the legislature and a failure by MPs to take responsibility for unpopular decisions.
“Our Parliament is no longer for the people. It has become a place for deals and silence,” he said. “We must bring the voice of the ordinary Ugandan back to the legislative process.”
A Test of NUP’s Internal Democracy
As the 2026 election draws closer, Lugoloobi’s candidacy poses a critical test for the National Unity Platform’s commitment to internal democracy.
Nambooze remains a respected figure in the party and the broader opposition movement. Whether she chooses to fight for a fifth term or step aside gracefully could influence the party’s unity and public perception.
Lugoloobi insists his campaign is not about personal rivalry but about restoring trust and energy in Mukono’s representation.
“Leadership is not a lifetime job. Just as in public service, there must be time to retire,” he said.
As the political winds begin to shift, one thing is clear. Mukono Municipality is preparing for a high-stakes battle that is likely to redefine its political direction.
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