Campaigning for Mukono Municipality elections officially kicked off this week, with political activity intensifying across the town as candidates seek voter support.
The contest has quickly become a showdown within the opposition, with rival candidates from the same political camp jostling for dominance.
Throughout the day, the streets of Mukono were filled with campaign vehicles blaring music and carrying cheering supporters.
Crowds waved flags and chanted slogans as candidates promised improved services and renewed development for the municipality.
Incumbent Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze launched her campaign at Seeta Trading Centre, where supporters symbolically handed her a spear, a traditional sign of strength and determination.
Nambooze used the event to accuse certain individuals within the National Unity Platform (NUP), who were denied party flags, of being sponsored to divide the opposition vote.
She specifically named Rev Fr Peter Bakaluba Mukasa and Hanifa Nabukeera, both of whom are contesting the same seat.
“Some people who claim to be NUP are being used to divide the vote,” Nambooze said. “Our supporters must not be misled or bought off.”
Tensions briefly flared at the event when supporters of Nambooze and Bakaluba clashed after Kyagulanyi campaign signs were placed on vehicles belonging to Bakaluba’s team, with some youths reportedly vandalizing campaign materials.
Responding to the incident, Rev Fr Bakaluba said the confrontation reflected the pressure from Nambooze’s camp and emphasized that being independent does not stop him from supporting NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi.
“This time, she has never faced a stiff contest like this,” he remarked. At his rally at Nantabulirwa Playground, Bakaluba called for new leadership to revive Mukono’s development, saying the municipality has missed opportunities due to leaders opposing government initiatives simply for political reasons.
“Mukono has been left behind. We need leadership that opens new opportunities and restores confidence in local government,” he said.
Meanwhile, former NUP member Hanifa Nabukeera, contesting as an independent, urged voters to elect leaders who prioritize tangible improvements in livelihoods over political quarrels.
Speaking to thousands of supporters at Kirowooza Cell in Goma Division, Nabukeera criticized the incumbent’s long tenure, saying that after 20 years in Parliament, Nambooze has little to show in terms of local development.
During her five years in Parliament, Nabukeera said she has actively raised issues affecting Mukono, including support to health facilities, schools, and community initiatives.
“The people of Mukono deserve leadership that delivers services, not just speeches,” she said.
The early days of campaigning in Mukono signal a fiercely contested race, with opposition candidates clashing both ideologically and on the ground, as residents prepare to evaluate leadership based on service delivery and tangible impact rather than party loyalty alone.