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NRM's Grip on Kampala Central Faces Intensified Challenge Ahead of 2026 Elections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Historically, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has found it challenging to win in Kampala, but Nakawa and Kampala Central have been their strongholds. However, their grip on Nakawa East and Nakawa West has been slipping, and now they are focusing on Kampala Central. The NRM has handed its flag in the Kampala Central divisional mayoral race to Salim Uhuru and has asked Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala, to replace Muhammad Nsereko as the Kampala Central Member of Parliament (MP).

Key Takeaways:

  • Salim Uhuru, the NRM candidate, will face Moses Kataabu in the Kampala Central divisional mayoral race, while Minister Kabanda will contest against David Lewis Rubongoya, the NUP secretary general, in the parliamentary race.
  • The NRM has a history of winning in Kampala Central, with Edward Francis Babu representing the constituency for over 16 years.
  • The ruling party allegedly uses polling stations in military barracks to rig the polls, making it difficult for opposition candidates to win.
  • Nsereko, who has been a stout defender of the NRM, has decided to stand for presidency under the Ecological Party, paving the way for Minister Kabanda to take over his seat.
  • The National Unity Platform (NUP) has tapped David Lewis Rubongoya, its secretary general, to contest in Kampala Central, despite questions about why he is standing in a constituency away from his native Ankole Sub-region.
  • The NRM's strength in Kampala Central is attributed to their alleged rigging of polls using polling stations in military barracks.

Statistics:

  • In 2006, Edward Francis Babu won the Kampala Central parliamentary seat for over 16 years.
  • In 2011, Erias Lukwago won the seat against Babu with a difference of just 103 votes.
  • Since 2011, the opposition has struggled to regain the Kampala Central parliamentary seat.
  • In 2021, Salim Uhuru, a former NRM rebel, won the Nakawa East divisional mayoral race.

Sources:

  • "Salim Uhuru becomes NRM's Kampala Central mayoral candidate", News Times, March 2023.
  • "Muhammad Nsereko to replace Bibi Kamya as Kampala Lord mayor?", Daily Monitor, March 2023.
  • "Nsereko's continuous support to NRM angers his fans", Kammerfacebe, March 2023.
  • "The Historical outline of Nakawa, Rubaga, Makindye, and other Divisions", News Times, March 2023.
  • "Nsereko officially resigns as Kampala Central MP, to contest for Presidency", Daily Monitor, March 2023.

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