Political tensions are rising in Bukomansimbi South Constituency after members of both the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) publicly abandoned their party flagbearers in the parliamentary race to support independent candidate Hassan Mukiibi Sserunjoji.
The defectors cited dissatisfaction with their parties’ candidates but emphasized that their support shift applies only to the parliamentary contest, maintaining loyalty to NUP and NRM candidates in the presidential race.
NUP members, led by the party’s alleged district spokesperson, Sipresio Kafeero, withdrew support from incumbent MP Geoffrey Kayemba Ssolo, accusing him of failing to address key community concerns since being elected in 2021.
They pledged allegiance to Sserunjoji during a campaign meeting at Butanga Village, Kyankoole Parish in Butenga Sub-county.
Similarly, a group of NRM members, reportedly led by Kibinge Sub-county NRM Chairperson Sowed Sserwadda, announced their withdrawal of support from party flagbearer Bashir Ssemakula.
They described Sserunjoji as a candidate capable of uniting the constituency.
Both groups warned that their backing would be conditional on Sserunjoji’s performance if elected, noting that failure to deliver on campaign promises could affect his political support in future elections, including 2031.
Efforts to reach Bukomansimbi District NRM Chairperson Shafik Mwanje for comment were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, NUP regional spokesperson Muhammad Muusa Matovu Kigongo described the defections as unfortunate, attributing them to unmet personal expectations rather than ideological differences.
He insisted that NUP remains confident of retaining the Bukomansimbi South seat.
At the meeting, supporters urged Sserunjoji to prioritize issues such as rural electrification, road infrastructure, and social challenges.
Women also called for stronger legislation to hold men accountable for neglecting their children.
Sserunjoji pledged to address the concerns raised if elected and urged voters in Bukomansimbi South to turn out in large numbers on polling day.
