Buyanja County in Kibaale District is set for a heated electoral contest as Dr Paul Kyalimpa, a former deputy director general of the Uganda Investment Authority, accused Finance Minister Matia Kasaija of reneging on a deal allegedly struck in 2021 with the mediation of President Museveni.
Kyalimpa claims that in 2021, he agreed to step aside and accept a government appointment, allowing Kasaija to complete one final term in parliament to deliver key projects, including upgrading Kibaale Health Centre IV to a district hospital, constructing a modern market, and completing the Kazo–Kyegegwa–Karuguza–Kikwaya–Kiboga road.
“I accepted to step down, I went to Uganda Investment Authority waiting for my turn in 2026 to stand for Buyanja. I was surprised to hear him declaring that he was coming back, so I had no way out but to stand with him in the primaries. I was rigged, but I’m sure in the general elections I will win him,” Kyalimpa told Nile Post.
Kyalimpa questioned why a senior leader like Kasaija would disregard the agreed plan, noting that none of the three promised projects had been completed.
He also criticized Kasaija for being detached from constituents after serving Buyanja County for 20 years, arguing that newly created districts such as Kagadi and Kakumiro were progressing faster.
Despite these claims, Kasaija’s campaign team, led by political assistant John Bosco Ssewanyana, dismissed the allegations as baseless.
“The minister never told us anything like that. All the promises we made in 2021—household income enhancement, more seed schools, extension of water and power—are being implemented,” Ssewanyana said.
At a campaign rally in Nyamarunda, Minister Kasaija outlined his development agenda, emphasizing completion of the Kazo–Kyegegwa–Karuguza–Kikwaya–Kiboga road, upgrading Kibaale Health Centre IV, constructing a modern market and an industrial park on 100 acres of land, and implementing poverty eradication programs.
“Just vote for me. Land for the park is available. Plans for a market like Hoima are on. Our hospital will be upgraded, and poverty will be addressed,” he told supporters.
Kyalimpa’s decision to run as an independent follows a narrow loss to Kasaija in the NRM primaries, where he finished second by a margin of 20,000 votes.
He insists that his campaign will focus on delivering development and reconnecting with constituents neglected over two decades.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Minister Kasaija regarding the alleged 2021 deal were unsuccessful, as he declined to grant an interview after addressing his rally.