Former Budiope East legislator Geoffrey Dhamuzungu wants back his seat and to get it, he must wrestle it from the seemingly superglued grasp of Moses Magogo.
Dhamuzungu, who had pitched camp at Parliament as a senior programs officer in Department of Corporate Planning and Strategy, launched his campaign on Tuesday.
His campaign tour began in his home area of Ngando and extended through Gumpi, Igalaza, Irundu, Nkone, Igwaya, Iyingo, and Kitukiro, where he vowed to revitalize the constituency’s dilapidated structures.
Dhamuzungu dismissed claims that Speaker Anita Annette Among had facilitated his appointment in Parliament after his 2021 defeat.
“The job I recently resigned from was offered by none other than President Museveni, not the Speaker,” he said, adding humorously that he was “too expensive” to be won over by such a “small” job.
Known for campaign slogans like “Team Tweyambe Beene,” “Twerire sente,” and “Tulwanise Obukodo,” Dhamuzungu also unveiled plans to introduce a special burial fund accessible to all groups without discrimination.
In a strategic move to boost support, Dhamuzungu announced a Shs20,000 cash incentive to voters during the upcoming NRM parliamentary elections slated for July 17, a substantial increase from Magogo’s Shs5,000 offering.
“We have been labeled financially ‘disabled’ for not giving money during elections,” Dhamuzungu said. “This time, expect shs 20,000 when you support our camp on polling day if that is what it takes.”
David Takozekibi, head of Dhamuzungu’s campaign taskforce and a former candidate for the same seat, expressed dissatisfaction with Magogo’s administration, describing it as tyrannical and suppressive of local citizens.
“We’ve collectively decided to support Geoffrey Dhamuzungu because he listens and can represent us effectively,” Takozekibi said. “It’s not that I’m weak politically, but I cannot win without unity.”
Dhamuzungu previously represented Budiope East between 2016 and 2021 before losing to Magogo, setting the stage for a renewed rivalry ahead of the general elections in January.
Both candidates are expected to contest regardless of the party primaries outcome scheduled before the end of July.
Magogo, who has held the seat for two and a half years, is credited with investing significantly in education, health, and social sectors—outperforming predecessors in the constituency.
The coming months promise a heated contest as these two NRM stalwarts battle for political dominance in Budiope East.