Masaka Backs Mpuuga’s Re-Election As Locals Flock To Campaign Launch

The opposition Democratic Front (DF) party president Mathias Mpuuga launched his re-election campaign on November 14, 2025 in Masaka City, whose Nyendo-Mukungwe division he represents in Parliament.

The event was characterized by an overwhelming turnout as supporters flocked to the rally ground, illustrating the deep connection between Mpuuga and his constituents.

His campaign is set against the backdrop of political strife and rivalry, but Mpuuga chose to rise above the fray, prioritizing unity over division.

Mpuuga’s convoy, which included both local and visiting DF leaders clutching party flags, took over an hour to reach the rally site, a journey typically completed in just seven minutes.

Supporters enthusiastically trekked alongside, singing praise-laden songs for their leader, a testament to the party’s strong roots in the Greater Masaka area.

Upon arrival, Mpuuga was warmly welcomed, with supporters brandishing tree branches to symbolize the DF’s Mahogany tree emblem, further amplifying the sense of community.

During the rally, key DF leaders, including Abdunoor Kyamundu, the party’s deputy president for Buganda, lauded Mpuuga’s achievements.

Kyamundu emphasized the importance of Mpuuga’s leadership, stating, “DF is the only new political party which already knows what its MPs will be talking about in Parliament because the party president has already tabled 8 bills.”

He also praised Masaka City’s development, attributing it to capable leaders who effectively lobby for services, reiterating, “Masaka City has been the most developed city in Buganda despite its newness due to its leaders.”

Mpuuga’s turn

As Mpuuga took the stage, his 15-minute speech resonated with the crowd, addressing the alarming trend of political opportunism being practiced by some short-sighted political actors.

He launched into a robust defense of his party and the Buganda Kingdom, declaring, “The DF has built leadership in all corners of the country because we are building an everlasting party for us and the generations to come.”

He expressed gratitude to the people of Masaka for their unwavering support, encouraging unity among citizens to confront the myriad challenges they face today.

In a powerful reflection on the current political climate, Mpuuga spoke to the complexities of the situation, affirming, “I am very strong like a rock-solid to surmount the situation in whatever form it comes.”

He urged the youth of Buganda to rise above political squabbles, emphasizing the importance of cohesion in navigating the intricate web of local politics.

“These are times when opportunistic politicians go bare knuckles with the Kabaka of Buganda and get cheered by hopeless individuals. These are times when opportunistic politicians abuse the mother of Buganda Kingdom, and get appreciated,” Mpuuga wondered.

“Let me tell you children of Buganda. Our Kingdom is not going to end now because of the political squabbles of today. You the children of Buganda out there, stop attacking and abusing each other because of politics. At this time when we have been ruled over by one family for 40 years of mockery, strong and focused men and women must emerge from your amidst to ask where the wrong is,” Mpuuga sounded a caution regarding the campaign to belittle Buganda Kingdom.

“Someone should be strong to ask when shall we convene as sons and daughters of Buganda to candidly talk about the issues afflicting our motherland? Should a man of the house get a misunderstanding with his wife quarrel and pluck windows out of the house? Does that mean you are a real man? As leaders, we always encounter challenges, but the pinnacle of leadership is the capacity to face the challenges wherever it has emerged, home, village, and in the country,” Mpuuga spoke to cheerful supporters.

Not Angry With Kyagulanyi

Despite Kyagulanyi being jittery about him to the extent of abandoning Museveni to the large extent to him, Mpuuga said he was not angry with him only that he was concerned with his view of the goings-on.

“Let me tell you, as an individual, I do not have a grumble even on my young brother Kyagulanyi. I can only ask him, does he know what is going on? If he does not it, does he have the humility to ask for advice to do the right thing? One can only get one opportunity to lead others, and the opportunity we gave him was not a mistake because that was his time,” Mpuuga told an overflowing rally ground.

“The question is, what do you use the opportunity for? So, I am not one of those who are angry at him, but I am extremely worried concern on whether he can differentiate between the sunset and the sunrise. Does he differentiate the moonlight and the bulb light? Does he still have the responsibility to help himself like a man to understand what to do so he gets the opportunity to lead our forefathers’ liberation battle?” Mpuuga said in reference to Mzee Kizito who is among the elders who last saw the late Ben Kiwanuka.

Presidential Candidature

Concerning the upcoming presidential elections, Mpuuga clarified the DF’s position, stating, “For the DF to announce its preferred candidate is not Mpuuga’s responsibility, it is a party’s responsibility.”

He noted that the party would remain united in its objectives while expressing his concerns about any candidate associated with the ruling NRM, identifying them as the only adversaries of transformative change.

“I could stand for presidency, but it is not a ritual. There are those who ask me, that as DF which candidate do you support?  For the DF to announce its preferred candidate is not Mpuuga’s responsibility, it is a party’s responsibility because I do not lead my party on decrees but it has many dreams through its organs,” Mpuuga, said.

“I informed you that when it reaches a time to support any of the candidates, we shall announce that we shall support that candidate. Our problem is just with anybody who votes for the bus [NRM] and that is the enemy of the change we desire, and we have a problem with it. But even a person who stands in our amidst and start dividing us, and put us in disarray, if he is not hired, he is part of the enemy who is also bewitched,” Mpuuga said.

He spoke against divisive politicians within the opposition ranks stating, “anyone who stands before determined people like you and start preaching divisionism is an enemy. I was with you in the 2021 elections, and I can tell you that in Nyendo alone, nine people were shot by the regime. It is me who covered their medical bills without anyone’s assistance including the NUP party.”

Nambooze Ignored

On the matter of personal attacks from within the political sphere, Mpuuga dismissed the invitation to respond to Mukono Municipality’s Betty Nambooze, arguing that engaging in “petty fights” is beneath him.

“Treat those petty fights as childish,” he urged his supporters, choosing instead to focus on the pressing matters that affect Buganda and the nation at large.

The energy of the rally was palpable, underscoring the organic love that Masaka residents have for Mpuuga. His rally set a fertile ground for the DF party, demonstrating its potential as a formidable force in the upcoming elections, all while insisting on an agenda that prioritizes unity over division.

Mpuuga’s campaign launch was not just a political event; it was a reaffirmation of his steadfast commitment and a call to action for the people of Masaka to remain united in their pursuit of progress and development.

As the campaign unfolds, the DF aims to solidify its stance as a beacon of hope in the regional political environment driving forward on the winds of unity and determination.