The race for the 2026 parliamentary elections kicked off in Wakiso with little enthusiasm and vibrancy.
Every nominated candidate vowed to tackle land grabbing and boost service delivery—issues close to the hearts of many in Buganda.
Medard Lubega Sseggona, the incumbent MP for Busiro East, didn’t mince words.
“After being nominated today, I urge my people to back me in the fight against land grabbing in our constituency. I know many of you have been victims, and it seems no one else hears your cries—except me, of course!” he declared with a cheeky grin.
Sseggona called for electing “politicians of substance” who won’t be swayed by a few million shillings.
Forms, fees, and a few Smiles
To secure their spot, candidates had to jump through a few hoops: a cool Shs 3 million for the nomination fee, fully completed forms, an A-level certificate (or equivalent—diplomas from the school of life need not apply), and a photo to show off their best campaign smile.
They also needed to bring an agent, a seconder, a proposer, and ten signatures from their constituency’s parishes. It’s safe to say some candidates spent the morning frantically WhatsApping friends to sign on the dotted line.
At Wakiso, Tolbert Musinguzi, the district Returning Officer, presided over the nominations like a seasoned referee at a particularly chaotic match.
“Come prepared, folks!” he urged, likely tired of deciphering half-filled forms.
“It makes verification smoother than a Sunday morning drive.” The setup was orderly, with reserved seats for candidates and their entourages.
Candidates, along with their seconder and proposer, took their places, presented their forms to Musinguzi, and awaited his official stamp of approval. No stamp, no glory.
Two tables kept the process humming along. One was manned by four assistant electoral registrars, scrutinising forms like detectives on a crime show.
The other, staffed by two electoral officers, handled the filing of nomination forms and candidate particulars with the precision of librarians cataloguing rare manuscripts.
The candidates
Entebbe Municipality
Micheal Kakembo (DF)
Stephen Shyaka Gashaija (NRM)
Vicent Kayanja Depaul (DP)
Joyce Namuli (NUP)
Wakiso Women’s seat
Betty Ethel Naluyima (NUP)
Joan Nabatanzi (PFF)
Rose Kirabira (Independent)
Joreen Najjemba (Independent)
Beth Kayesu (NRM)
Annet Nakyanja (DF)
Nansana Municipality
Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa (NUP)
Idi Matovu Buggaga (NRM)
Ramathan Mutebi (Independent)
Henry Lubowa (DF)
Joseph Musoke Toryaggi (Independent)
Fred Luyinda (Independent)
Harold Kaija (PFF)
Juliet Kayaga Kyambadde
Eng Stephen Kaweesa
Florence Naava Kintu
Makindye Ssabagabo
David Serukenya (NUP)
Joshua Makula (PFF)
Dick Wagaba (Independent)
Isaac Muzei (Independent)
Kira Municipality
Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda (PFF)
George Musisi (NUP)
Patrick Katuramu (Independent)
Arthur Bright Niwagaba (Independent)
Moses Kankunda (Independent)
Frank Katabalwa (Independent)
Daniel Kananura (NRM)
Andrew Eiru (FDC)
Musinguzi, clearly pleased with a job well done, noted that candidates from Kyadondo East, Busiro North, Busiro South, and Busiro East are expected tomorrow.
