Patrick Mugisa, an independent candidate for Kampala Central mayor, has accused his opponent, Salim Uhuru of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), of prioritizing personal ambition over effective leadership.
Speaking to Bbeg Media after his nomination at the Electoral Commission (EC) Central Division headquarters in Kyebando along Mawanda Road, Kampala, Mugisa expressed confidence in his campaign.
“I publicly declare that Uhuru’s time in Kampala Central politics is coming to an end. With my nomination, the journey to reclaim our lost glory through effective representation has begun,” Mugisa stated, as his supporters cheered enthusiastically.
Accompanied by a vibrant group of women and youth, Mugisa criticized Uhuru for being power-hungry, alleging that the incumbent mayor has failed to address the area’s challenges. He accused Uhuru of contesting every available position, leaving little time to focus on constituents’ issues.
Mugisa further claimed that Uhuru has done little to support unemployed youth, instead resorting to bribing them during election periods to secure their votes.
“This damages his reputation as a leader,” Mugisa said, urging residents to support a new leader like himself in the 2026 elections.
Highlighting his vision for effective representation and improved service delivery, Mugisa positioned himself as the strongest candidate, untainted by corruption or embezzlement of public funds.
He pledged to lobby for resources to empower youth and women, address poor waste management, improve the drainage system, create jobs for unemployed youth, and secure government development projects that directly benefit residents.
Additionally, Mugisa promised to champion the devolution of powers from the central government to the division under the current Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Act.
Meanwhile, Robert Mugabe, the EC returning officer for the Central Division, urged aspirants to prepare their nomination requirements in advance to avoid disqualification.
He noted that 70 candidates for various elective positions, including direct councillors, mayors, women councillors, youth representatives, and councillors for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), had been nominated by the second day of the exercise. Mugabe emphasized that the nomination process would continue the following day and encouraged remaining aspirants to adhere to deadlines.
Councillors and mayoral candidates from Kamwokya II, Kololo II, Kisenyi I, II, III, and Mengo parishes, representing parties such as the National Unity Platform (NUP), NRM, People’s Progressive Party (PFF), Democratic Party (DP), Democratic Forum (DF), independents, and the Ecological Party of Uganda, were also nominated on the second day. They pledged to enhance representation and improve service delivery in their respective areas.
