Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has urged politicians from the ruling National Resistance Movement in Buganda to prioritise policy proposals instead of making “empty promises” as the country heads toward the 2026 election.
Addressing an NRM delegation from Buganda led by the party’s vice chairperson, Haruna Kasolo, at Bulange Gardens, Mayiga said Ugandans are tired of politicians who repeatedly promise to end poverty or raise salaries without offering clear plans.
“We have heard some politicians promising our people that they will end poverty and increase workers’ salaries. I do not think this is what our people need. A good politician takes a keen interest in the issues affecting their people,” he said.
He urged parliamentary, mayoral, and councillor flagbearers to confront persistent problems in Buganda, including land grabbing, limited access to medical services, youth unemployment, and rising crime.
On land grabbing, Mayiga asked the government to act firmly against perpetrators to promote fairness and justice. He also voiced concern about delays in delivering justice, especially in land-related cases and other serious offences.
Mayiga said a good politician should be like “a good DJ who does not play music that does not interest his audience.”
He encouraged Buganda politicians in parliament and local government to take a central role in lobbying for improved services in their communities.
He emphasised the need for better education and training, improved healthcare, including fair pay for medical workers and reliable access to medicines, and stronger policies to tackle crime and ensure timely punishment of offenders.
Kasolo, who also serves as state minister for Microfinance, told the Katikkiro that the group had come to seek political goodwill from the Kabaka and Buganda’s cultural leadership, saying this would strengthen their election campaigns.
The minister for Kampala, Minsa Kabanda, said her office would continue working with the kingdom to support development and protect Buganda’s cultural heritage. She asked voters to elect her as Kampala Central MP, citing her involvement in health camps and the provision of education scholarships for Kabaka’s subjects.
Kawempe North parliamentary candidate Faridah Nambi, the coordinator of the visit, assured Mayiga that the NRM candidates would prioritise Buganda’s key concerns on land, federal arrangements, social and economic development, and the protection of the Kabakaship.
The NRM delegation included former MPs Fred Ruhindi (Nakawa West), Muyanja Mbabali (Bukoto South), Haruna Kasolo (Kyotera), and Vincent Ssempijja (Kalungu), who are seeking re-election after losing seats to NUP candidates in 2021. The group purchased a Buganda certificate valued at Shs 10 million.
