The contest for the Bukomansimbi District Woman Member of Parliament seat is intensifying ahead of the 2026 general elections, with eight women vying for the position currently held by Veronica Nanyondo of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The list of contenders includes six NUP members and two from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), setting the stage for a fiercely competitive race.
Among the NUP hopefuls are Zulaika Nalukenge, Faridah Nakabugo, Dr Madrine Nabadda Sitenda, Shakira Nakato, Lillian Babirye, and Halima Nakawungu.
The NRM’s Aisha Nalujja and Ruth Katushabe, a former MP for Bukomansimbi North, are also in the running, with Katushabe aiming to represent the entire district as Woman MP.
Although most candidates are holding back from full-scale campaigning until their respective parties confirm their endorsements, several have already expressed confidence and ambition to claim the seat.
Zulaika Nalukenge, Dr Nabadda Sitenda, and Aisha Nalujja are vocal in their belief that they are the best options to lead Bukomansimbi into a new era.
Each contender has her own vision for the district, often pointing to the incumbent's failure to bring about significant change.
Incumbent Nanyondo, who is serving her second term, is now facing increasing scrutiny over her track record.
“Nanyondo has failed to lift Bukomansimbi out of poverty and underdevelopment,” declared Nalukenge, who is advocating for a change in leadership.
Dr Nabadda, a trained veterinarian, has promised to focus on improving the rights and safety of women and children, while also boosting agriculture and animal husbandry.
“Too many women are being denied justice, and children are suffering abuse. We cannot keep silent,” she stressed.
Nalujja of NRM has emphasized that her party holds the key to addressing Bukomansimbi’s persistent issues, calling for unity and action rather than divisive politics.
“We need unity, not politics as usual,” she asserted.
While NUP has gained significant popularity, internal tensions are brewing as multiple strong candidates fight for the party’s single nomination.
Only one of the six NUP hopefuls will be officially endorsed, leaving the others to reflect on their past leadership performance.
“Let voters reflect seriously on who truly delivered and who didn’t,” Nalukenge urged. “Those who have failed in leadership should not be rewarded with more time.”
The growing list of candidates has sparked debate, with some locals questioning the origins of certain hopefuls. Allegations that some are not native to Bukomansimbi have led to calls for the seat to remain with a "true daughter of the soil."
Despite the challenges, Nanyondo remains resolute. She has dismissed her critics as politically motivated and stated, “Let them talk. The people of Bukomansimbi know what I have done. I’m not finished yet.”
Supporters of Nanyondo describe her as a “political widow who cut down the heir,” a metaphor for her strength and determination in a tough political environment.
In the 2021 election, Nanyondo, running under the NUP flag, defeated NRM’s Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi with 28,459 votes to Kiyingi’s 16,035.
Halima Nakawungu, a previous contender, came in third with just 1,562 votes. Now running again on the NUP ticket, Nakawungu is eager to challenge Nanyondo once more.
“I am not weak as many of you think. It’s just that God has not decided yet, but this time I am sure I will represent Bukomansimbi in parliament because I am capable. Help me and vote for Kyagulanyi and me—you’ll see how Bukomansimbi will shine in the next five years,” Nakawungu declared at a recent political meeting in Kibinge Sub-county.
As the political temperature rises, all eyes are on the NUP, where the first real test of popularity will soon take place.
For now, the race remains wide open, with each candidate working tirelessly to win the hearts and votes of Bukomansimbi’s electorate.