The Electoral Commission office for Mubende District on Wednesday, October 22, successfully nominated fourteen aspirant Members of Parliament to contest for various seats in the district ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Among the nominees are Topista Timdimwebwa, contesting as an independent for Woman MP after losing in the NRM primaries; Hajj Bashir Lubega Ssempa, Mubende Municipality MP, running as an independent after skipping the NRM primaries; Deo Mujabi Masembe, the NRM flag bearer for Mubende Municipality; and Rtd. Maj. Joseph Kakooza, former MP for Buwekula County and current NRM flag bearer for the same seat.
Other candidates include Henry Muhumuza and Fred Tumwesige, contesting as independents after losing in the NRM primaries for Kassambya and Buwekula South respectively.
Judith Mujawimana and Edward Kulabirawo, independent aspirants for Buwekula County; Hope Grania Nakazibwe, incumbent Woman MP and NRM flag bearer seeking re-election; and Fred Mukasa Mbidde, DP flag bearer for Buwekula County.
Edward Ssempiira, NUP flag bearer for Buwekula South; Steven Ndaguzimana, independent aspirant for Buwekula County; Rtd. Akankwasa Mwesige Ramathan, independent candidate for Mubende Municipality; and Hope Felister Nanyanzi, NUP flag bearer for Woman MP.
Fred Mukasa Mbidde vowed to champion residents’ rights, particularly those affected by land grabbing.
“I am going to make sure that my people enjoy their freedom, especially the bibanja holders who have been silenced for long,” Mbidde said.
Mubende Municipality MP Hajji Bashir Lubega Ssempa explained his decision to run as an independent.
“I did not participate in the party primaries, and as of today, everything I warned about has come to pass. The elections were not free and fair, and I am confident I will win this election,” Ssempa said.
Ferdinand Mulekezi, Mubende District Returning Officer, confirmed that all fourteen candidates were briefed on nomination guidelines, which facilitated a smooth process.
“We gave them guidance, and that’s why the nomination process went smoothly. We expect to nominate all the remaining four aspirants by tomorrow,” Mulekezi said.
Mubende District comprises four constituencies: Mubende Municipality, Buwekula South, Buwekula County, and Kassambya Constituency.
The nomination marks the start of a competitive race as candidates prepare for the campaign period.