Greater Masaka Brims With Political Ambition As DF Records 131 Nominations

The atmosphere was electric on August 26, the first day of the Democratic Front (DF) nomination exercise as 131 aspirants gathered at the Patel Shamji in Masaka City.

The event marked the dawn of a new political campaign season, with candidates vying for various positions in the upcoming national general elections.

At the hotel, which was the gazzetted DF nomination centre, the air was thick with hope, and determination as individuals from the greater Masaka region, including Masaka City, Masaka Rural, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Bukomansimbi, Ssembabule, Kalungu, Rakai, and Kyotera, took a large step toward leadership.

The nomination exercise, part of a two-day event, was presided over by Henry Lubowa, chairperson of the DF electoral commission.

Participants filled the hotel’s compound with palpable excitement while returning their expression of interest forms for positions ranging from Member of Parliament (MP), city mayors, division mayors, sub-county chairpersons, councilors, and more.

This enthusiastic turnout demonstrated the DF’s growing influence in the region as it approaches the crucial internal party primaries.

Among the notable candidates nominated were Dr. Abed Bwanika, the incumbent MP for Kimaanya-Kabonera, seeking re-election, and Juliet Nakabuye Kakande, another sitting woman MP for Masaka City, also aiming for a second term.

They were joined by Andrew Lukyamuzi Batemyetto, the Masaka District Chairperson who crossed from NUP, and set his sights on the Bukoto Central parliamentary seat.

Senior journalists Moris Mukiibi, and Birimuye Micheal Matovu joined the race with aspirations for the Mawogola South, and Kalungu West MP positions, respectively.

The local government positions were not left out, with Michael Nakumusana, the current mayor of Nyendo-Mukungwe, and Nalubyaayi Talidda Zahara, a city councilor in Masaka city, competing for the prestigious mayorship of Masaka City.

Addressing a jubilant crowd, Dr. Bwanika reiterated his commitment to completing ongoing projects that would benefit the people of Kimaanya-Kabonera with special focus on education, health, agriculture, and youth empowerment which excited his supporters.

The nomination tide continues to rise, with a remarkable 1,400 aspirants nominated since the exercise began in July.

The Greater Masaka nomination exercise has been described as a success by Lubowa, who urged aspirants to remain focused, and committed to their campaigns.

The overwhelming numbers reflect an invigorated political environment in the region, showing a deep-seated desire among residents to participate actively in their governance.

The DF deputy President for Buganda, Hajji Abdulnoor Ssentongo Kyamundu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Greater Masaka for their enthusiastic turnout.

He underscored the importance of local leadership, and the incredible potential within the community, urging more individuals to engage in the political process.

As hopefuls continue to emerge, it is clear that Greater Masaka is ready to embrace a future led by its own ambitious leaders.

At the nomination venue, the scene was one of jubilation, with supporters carrying banners and chanting slogans in support of their favorite candidates.

The fervor was contagious, and the dynamic atmosphere kept the excitement alive throughout the day, which exemplifies a community eager to take charge of its leadership, and forge a path toward a prosperous future.

Generally, the nomination exercise will proceed until the end of the month, allowing more individuals to express their interest in public office.

As Greater Masaka moves forward, the DF’s efforts is a pointer to a crucial entry point into this season of political engagement, promising a riveting showdown in the primaries ahead, and later on in the general elections.