The recent internal nomination exercise held by the Democratic Front (DF) in Greater Masaka witnessed an unprecedented surge of aspirants, gesturing a vibrant political arena as the region gears up for the upcoming 2026 national elections.
On August 26, 131 hopeful candidates gathered at the Patel Shamji Hotel in Masaka City, marking a fundamental moment that could redefine local governance, and representation in the national assembly.
The mood inside the hotel buzzed with ambition, and determination as candidates from the Greater Masaka area including districts of Masaka City, Masaka Rural, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Bukomansimbi, Ssembabule, Kalungu, Rakai, and Kyotera, submitted their expression of interest forms to the party’s Electoral Commission.
The nomination exercise, overseen by Henry Lubowa, the chairperson of the DF Electoral Commission, heightened the party’s growing foothold in the region, as individuals took bold steps toward leadership.
Among the prominent candidates vying for the parliamentary seats was Dr. Abed Bwanika, the incumbent MP for Kimaanya-Kabonera, seeking to retain his position. Also in the race is Juliet Nakabuye Kakande, the sitting woman MP for Masaka City, determined to serve another term. Other notable parliamentary aspirants include Tumwebaze Asaph, eyeing the Lwemiyaga Parliamentary seat in Ssembabule district, Lukoda Martin, who has aspirations for the Kalungu East MP position.
Others are Andrew Lukyamuzi Batemyetto, transitioning from NUP, and targeting the Bukoto Central parliamentary seat; and senior journalists Maurice Mukiibi and Birimuye Micheal Matovu, who aim for the Mawogola South, and Kalungu West MP roles, respectively.
The local government scene is equally competitive, with several candidates aspiring for key positions.
Mugenyi Blessed Robert has set his sights on becoming the Kyanamukaaka Chairperson LCIII, while Sserubiri Francis aspires to take up the role of Mayor for Ntuusi Town Council. Additionally, Ssekitto Deo is vying for the Division Mayor post in Kimaanya-Kabonera, and Ndugga Vianney is looking to secure the Division Mayor position in Nyendo-Mukungwe.
Moreover, Yiga Joseph competes for the Mayorship of Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, and Lukwago Faiswal seeks the Chairperson LCIII position in Bukulula, Kalungu District.
Ssekeba Joseph hopes to become the Division Mayor for Kimaanya-Kabonera, while Michael Nakumusana, the current mayor of Nyendo-Mukungwe, and Nalubyaayi Talidda Zahara, a city councilor in Masaka City, are both contenders for the prestigious Mayorship of Masaka City.
The nomination exercise is a clear indication of the Democratic Front’s rising influence in Greater Masaka, as the overwhelming national participation of approximately 1,400 aspirants sets the stage for one of the most competitive political seasons in recent history.
Lubowa described the turnout as a triumph for the DF, emphasizing the importance of sustaining focus and commitment throughout the campaign period.
The enthusiastic response from the community reflects a collective eagerness to engage in governance.
Leading this charge was Hajji Abdulnoor Ssentongo Kyamundu, the DF Deputy President for Buganda, who expressed his appreciation for the active participation of residents.
He called upon more individuals to take up leadership roles as the community looks to embrace its political destiny.
As candidates gathered amid chants and banners supporting their aspirations, the energetic environment conveyed a strong message of unity and determination, which altogether, displayed a community ready to take ownership of its future, fostering leadership that resonates with the residents.
With the nomination exercise continuing until the end of the month, further participation from local leaders is anticipated.
It appears that Greater Masaka is well-positioned to evolve into a stronghold for the DF, paving the way for a dynamic political showdown during the upcoming internal primaries, and national elections as the newly-formed party’s efforts might very well ignite a surge of political engagement in the region.
