A coffee farmer in Bukomansimbi, Manisuli Lubwama, has declared his intention to run for the district chairperson position in the upcoming 2026 elections.
This seat is currently held by Fred Nyenje Kayiira of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who has hinted at not seeking re-election as he considers running for the Bukomansimbi North parliamentary seat to challenge the incumbent, NUP's Christine Nandagire Ndiwalana.
Lubwama, who has built a successful career in both agriculture and finance, aims to use his extensive experience to drive economic development in the district, with a particular focus on the agricultural sector.
Born in 1990 at St. Mary's Hospital in Bukomansimbi town council, Lubwama has deep roots in the community.
He is a resident of Lukuuku village in Kasebwera Parish, Butenga Subcounty, where he owns a 10-acre coffee farm.
His farming background has given him firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities within Bukomansimbi’s agricultural landscape.
His educational journey began at Kyango Muslim primary school in Bukomansimbi before he transferred to Stella Maris primary school in Nyendo, Masaka, and later completed his primary education at K.Y Primary School, also in Nyendo.
Lubwama attended Mbulire secondary school in Bukomansimbi for his O-Level, where he was among the top students, and later pursued his A-Level education at Masaka secondary school.
He holds a diploma in Business Studies with an Accounting option from Makerere University Business School and a first-class bachelor's degree in Business Studies, specializing in Accounting, from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).
Currently, he is pursuing a professional course in accounting at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda.
Professionally, Lubwama has accumulated experience as an Assistant Accountant with Massa Construction Company Ltd in Nalukolongo Kampala, previously owned by former Kyadondo South member of parliament late Hajji Isa Kikungwe and as a Banking Officer with Eco Bank Uganda.
He is presently serving as a senior assistant accountant in Lwengo district.
He says these experiences have equipped him with the financial acumen needed to manage district resources effectively.
In his campaign, Lubwama plans to focus on boosting Bukomansimbi’s economy through agricultural innovation, improving infrastructure, and enhancing public services such as education and healthcare.
He believes that by supporting local farmers, particularly those in the coffee sector, the district can achieve significant economic growth.
Lubwama’s candidacy is generating significant interest in Bukomansimbi, particularly among the youth and the Muslim community.
His family's established reputation in the district, especially his father, Hajj Twaha Ssengendo, a well-known businessman and coffee farmer, bolsters his standing.
Although Lubwama's family has strong ties to the Justice Forum (JEEMA), it is not yet clear under which party ticket he will run.
In a recent interview, he emphasized his belief in change and expressed confidence that his economic expertise would help drive development in Bukomansimbi.
Lubwama shared that his interest in politics began while working with the late Issa Kikungwe, who greatly inspired him to pursue a political career.
Although his ultimate goal is to represent Bukomansimbi South in Parliament, he decided to start by engaging in local government, seeing it as a crucial first step in realizing his political ambitions.
He added that, this is also essential for understanding and addressing the immediate needs of the community.
Lubwama's announcement has been met with enthusiasm by many residents of Bukomansimbi, who view his candidacy as a promising step toward the district's growth and development.
While he grew up in Bukomansimbi South, his strong connections in Bukomansimbi North, where he studied and worked, could give him a strategic advantage in the upcoming elections
