Political temperatures are rising in Kasese District as Uganda’s two leading parties—the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM)—intensify preparations for the 2026 general elections.
The FDC Kasese chapter has declared its intention to reclaim all major political positions in the district, a feat it last accomplished in 2016.
At the same time, the ruling NRM is keen on tightening its grip on the region, aiming to recover the three parliamentary seats it lost to the opposition in the previous election cycle.
Kasese has long been regarded as an FDC stronghold. In 2016, the party swept all six parliamentary seats and secured the district chairperson position, cementing its dominance in the region. However, this grip loosened in 2021 when the NRM regained some ground, winning three parliamentary seats, leaving the other half to FDC.
The shift signaled a resurgence of competition and set the stage for a potentially fierce political showdown in 2026.
Speaking to this publication, Ronald Kabuku, FDC Chairperson for Kasese District, emphasised the party’s renewed strategy of fronting candidates rooted in the community.
“We’ve learned from past elections. This time, we are focusing on candidates who resonate deeply with the electorate—people who are tried, tested, and trusted by the community,” Kabuku said.
On the NRM side, officials say the party is refining its campaign strategies to bolster its appeal. According to Johnson Kamalha, the party’s vice chairperson in Kasese, the performance of current NRM leaders will be a central campaign tool.
“We are confident that the work being done by our current leaders speaks for itself. Our people can see the progress, and that will be our message to voters,” Kamalha noted.
He added that the party is not only focused on retaining its current positions but also on reclaiming those lost to the opposition.
NRM cadres have also underscored the need for unity within the party, especially after the primaries. They are urging all aspirants to rally behind the eventual flag bearers to avoid internal divisions.
“We call upon all our aspirants to respect the people’s voice. Losing primaries shouldn’t mean pulling out or fighting the flag bearer. Let’s put the party first,” said Edith Muhindo, an NRM cadre.
As the political atmosphere in Kasese heats up, attention now turns to how these strategies will unfold in the coming months. For the people of Kasese, the 2026 elections promise yet another historic contest—one that could redefine the district’s political trajectory.