Mukono Municipality MP, Betty Nambooze Bakireke, has cautioned aspiring politicians against relying solely on digital platforms to reach voters, warning that such strategies risk alienating a large portion of Ugandans who still lack access to smartphones and the internet.
Speaking on NBS Barometer on Tuesday, Nambooze criticized Kampala Central MP aspirant Abraham Luzzi, who recently unveiled a digital-first campaign strategy.
Under his manifesto, Luzzi pledged to rely exclusively on social media to engage voters, share his ideas, and communicate his development agenda.
While Luzzi argued that digital campaigning allows for efficient communication without disrupting citizens’ daily work or the city’s operations, Nambooze dismissed this approach as “out of touch with the realities on the ground,” noting that Uganda’s digital access remains limited.
“You cannot lead a people you don’t speak to directly. According to 2021 reports, smartphone penetration in Uganda stands at just 15.6%, equivalent to around six million people, while only 32% of Ugandans have access to television,” she said.
Nambooze highlighted that these figures underscore the digital divide, which continues to disadvantage rural and low-income populations, particularly during elections. She urged political aspirants to adopt inclusive communication strategies that combine both traditional and digital outreach to ensure no voter is left behind.