Political analysts in Mbarara have punched holes in the race for the Mbarara City North constituency in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
These highlight the challenges facing the contenders and the incumbent amidst pressing issues such as inadequate infrastructure in the city's outskirts and the rampant unemployment.
They emphasize that while a segment of the population has disregarded the current office holder's manifesto, the challengers must present innovative ideas and maintain close engagement with their constituents even beyond the election.
As the 2026 polls draw closer, several individuals are vying for the Mbarara city north seat to represent the people of Mbarara.
According to Dr. Anthony Mpeirwe, a political scientist at Bishop Stuart University, in the realm of politics, the incumbent will strive to establish closer connections with the populace to bridge the gap perpetuated by the status quo, unlike for the first-time contenders.
"Politics is about service delivery, and so the incumbents will have to answer because they promise people, they have their manifestos as their yardstick which they use to serve." Dr. Mpeirwe said.
To Wilberforce Kambaho, a political analyst in Mbarara notes that as some legislators use and use money to ganner elections in the previous election, they turn parliament into a business center.
"Some MPs use money to buy voters, and when they get to parliament, they turn the house into a business center sort of a job to fish from and that's where they go wrong" Kambaho said.
Anthony Agaba, the Kiyanja cell chairperson and a member of the newly established People’s Front for Freedom notes that although it might seem tight for the incumbent, a section of residents disregard the manifestos of their leaders and have focused on small handouts.
"Current MPs have got a tendency of going to their constituencies only ov3r the weekends and Thanksgiving ceremonies and forget their role, only to flash a few handouts and gratitudes, if the contenders follow that direction then we are doomed" Agaba said.
Dr. Mpeirwe concedes with Agaba but is quick to say that " Changing peoples mindset will take some long time for them to know that they don't need to wait for their MPs to offer them small handouts, little contributions on a function but that should be the direction we should be taking".
Mbarara city has got two constituencies, south and north represented by Mwine Mpaka and Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, respectively. The city North division with about 14 wards are still struggling with poor access