The just-concluded nomination process for parliamentary candidates in Wakiso saw independent candidates significantly outnumbering party flagbearers.
This development has raised concerns about the state of multiparty democracy in Uganda, as many candidates opted to run independently after being denied party tickets.
Tolbert Musinguzi, the Wakiso returning officer, told Bbeg Media that many political parties did not field candidates in several constituencies, while a significant number of those denied party tickets chose to run as independents.
In Kyadondo East, only five came on the party ticket. They are: Maria Nassali Masereka (Democratic Party), Muwada Nkunyingi (National Unity Platform), Apollo Kantinti (Forum for Democratic Change), Timothy Lule (Common Man’s Party), and Rajjab Ssozi (People’s Front for Freedom).
The independents were: Tom Muwonge, Dr Ali Moses, Dr Sowedi Kayongo Male, Solomon Magala, William Magezi, Prince Khalid Ssimbwa, and Prince William Mutaramuza.
In Entebbe Municipality, Jonathan Success Kiyingi was nominated on the FDC ticket, while his challenger, Frederick Albert Mukungu, stood as an independent. In Makindye Ssabagabo, Philip Munduni ran on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket.
In Busiro East, independent candidates were: Medard Lubega Sseggona, John Bukenya, Edward Lutaaya, Lilian Nakate, Emmanuel Matovu Magoola, Fred Kangave, Leonard Byenkya, and Karooli Ssenfuma Nalagiri.
Other contenders in Busiro East were Margaret Nalubowa (Uganda People’s Congress – UPC), Fatuma Bangi (Alliance for National Transformation – ANT), Mathias Walukagga (NUP), Masmoos Kalungi (Justice Forum – JEEMA), and Irene Nassolo (Ecological Party of Uganda).
In Busiro South, party flagbearers included Grace Namuga (FDC), Joshua Wiltord Mutekanga (Common Man’s Party), Keran Opio (NRM), and Lilian Ndagire (DP).
The independent candidates were: Saulo Kikomeko, Joseph Kajumba, Charles Matovu, and Galabuzi Mpologoma.
In Busiro North, the nominated independent candidates were: John Bosco Tebandeke, Damiano Kato, Ashraf Ssekikubo, Dr Swaib Kaggwa Nsereko, Frank Nsubuga, Charles Mugisha Katongole, Emmanuel Pius Ssentongo, and Kasita Bukenya.
Other candidates in Busiro North included party flagbearers Moses Mayanja (NRM), Ronald Semaganda (NUP), and Moses Ssenkungu (PFF).
Some analysts have attributed the rise of independent candidates to the growing public disillusionment with political parties, which have been criticised for lacking internal democracy and alternative policies to address pressing issues.
At the close of the nomination exercise, Musinguzi reported that a total of 99 candidates were nominated in Wakiso.
