Uganda’s Ambassador to Burundi and former NRA bush war commander, Matayo Kyaligonza, has endorsed his son Philip Kyaligonza to contest for the Kikuube District LC5 chairmanship, just days after the death of his son Peter Banura who held the seat.
The endorsement follows a period of uncertainty and competing interests within the local political landscape of Kikuube District, where succession discussions have quickly turned into a crowded and politically charged race.
Major-General Kyaligonza had earlier backed his friend, Pastor Edward Mwesigwa Baligonzaki, for the seat.
However, according to accounts from local mobilisation groups, a team known as “Koona,” which had supported Banura’s election, rejected the endorsement and instead pushed for a direct family successor.
Speaking during Banura’s burial, members of the group reportedly asked Kyaligonza to “offer another son,” arguing that their support had been specifically tied to the family line they had previously backed.
The same group later met the general at his home in Kitiko, Kampala, where discussions reportedly led to a reversal of his earlier position.
In a video circulating on social media, Kyaligonza confirmed the shift in endorsement, saying he had initially supported Pastor Baligonzaki but later changed his decision after consultations.
“After having eats and drinks, we have had conversations with both sides, now I’m cancelling the earlier communication that I had endorsed Pastor Baligonzaki," he said.
"These people came and said they want my real son, so I’m endorsing Philip Kyaligonza to stand for Kikuube district LC5 to replace his late brother Peter Banura."
The developments have further complicated an already competitive race for the seat, with at least seven contenders now expressing interest.
Among them are Michael Christopher Ayeranga, the current vice chairperson; Opio Vincent Alpha; and Kikuube District Speaker Christopher Nkalu, who has reportedly resigned from his radio presenter role at Radio Hoima to join the contest.
The unfolding succession battle underscores the increasingly personalised nature of local politics in the district, where family ties, political alliances, and community mobilisation networks are shaping the contest ahead of the by-election.
