Former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) legislator Fred Mukasa Mbidde has officially declared his intention to contest for the Buwekula County parliamentary seat in 2026.
He said this follows calls from locals during a thanksgiving ceremony held at his residence in Bugondo Village, Karama Parish, Butoloogo Sub-county, Mubende District.
The announcement comes after residents urged him to return to local politics and address rampant land disputes and governance issues affecting the constituency.
“When I came here in 2023, it is now two years without meeting my people. That is why I decided to thank God for giving me good neighbors,” Mbidde said while addressing hundreds of attendees at the ceremony.
He acknowledged ongoing land disputes in the area and pledged to use his legal expertise to defend residents’ rights.
“I hold a Master’s Degree in Law, and I will not allow my good neighbors to face continuous challenges. Let’s stay at peace,” he emphasized.
Several residents took to the microphone to express their support for Mbidde’s candidacy, praising his experience and legal background.
“As Buwekula people, we now have an educated leader who can save us from land wrangles. I request you, honorable, please contest as MP for this area,” said Umar Nyanzi, one of the residents.
Another resident, Clever Manirafashi, added: “You performed well in the East African Parliament. We are convinced you can represent the four sub-counties in Buwekula Constituency effectively.”
The calls prompted a 30-minute closed-door meeting between Mbidde and a group of prominent locals, led by Fred Okello, the NRM Secretary for Veterans in Mubende District.
“We have agreed that MP Mbidde should contest for Buwekula MP. Personally, I also requested him because our area has faced many challenges. Now we are hopeful that Mbidde will rescue our place—and he has accepted to contest in 2026," Okello said.
In response, Mbidde confirmed he had initially stepped away from politics but was moved by the people's appeal.
“You have requested me to contest as MP for this constituency. Personally, I had decided never to participate in politics again, but since you have asked me, I will contest,” he said to applause from the crowd.
Mbidde took the opportunity to issue a stern warning to land grabbers.
“I am here to warn all those who have been evicting the people of Buwekula. I am ready to serve my people because I am part of you,” he said.
Mbidde also confirmed that he will run on the Democratic Party (DP) ticket, symbolized by a hoe, and took a jab at rival parties:
“I will contest using the symbol of the hoe. I want to challenge those using the bus symbol to also donate buses to the people of Buwekula, and then we shall compare who gives more.”
On electoral transparency, Mbidde reassured voters of his commitment to clean politics.
“I have seen people worried about election irregularities, but I want to assure you that no one will rig your votes,” he vowed.
The ceremony was also attended by Mubende Municipality MP Bashir Lubega Ssempa, who described Mbidde as a man of action.
“He is my friend, and I know he delivers. But I encourage him to speak clearly about the people’s expectations,” Ssempa said.
