Independent Makindye East Member of Parliament aspirant Robert Ssekidde, has vowed to bring “common sense solutions to common sense problems” as he seeks to unite a constituency he says has been divided by partisan politics.
Speaking during the Makindye East Parliamentary Debate hosted by NBS Television on Wednesday, Ssekidde positioned himself as a unifying candidate focused on service delivery rather than political allegiances.
“I come bringing common sense solutions to common sense problems,” Ssekidde said during the debate, drawing attention to his pragmatic and people-centered approach to leadership.
The independent candidate emphasized that while he does not belong to any political party, he aligns with ideologies that prioritize citizens’ welfare and empowerment.
“I don’t believe in the party, but I believe in the ideology of the party. When I say I support Robert Kyagulanyi, I support his ideology of People Power,” Ssekidde said.
Ssekidde highlighted that Makindye East has long suffered from partisan divisions that have hindered progress and denied residents the services they deserve.
“Makindye East has been affected by partisan politics and finger-pointing. Therefore, the people have been denied services,” he said.
Ssekidde further criticized the ongoing political blame games that, in his view, have replaced genuine leadership and accountability.
“Everyone is playing blame games, and that’s the problem. We have failed to get a leader who will put service beyond colours — and that’s what I bring,” Ssekidde said.
Since 1996, every elected representative but Mabikke has exited after five years — some by ballot defeat, others by scandal, and a few by choice.
Outgoing MP Derrick Nyeko, elected in 2021 under the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag on the back of the party’s sweeping "umbrella wave," joins a growing list of one-term legislators from Makindye East.
Makindye East's revolving-door reputation began in the late 1990s. Benedict Mutyaba captured the seat largely unopposed after the Democratic Party (DP) chose not to field a candidate.
His term ended with controversy, including allegations of poor oversight and lack of delivery, leading to his political eclipse.
In 2001, Michael Mabikke, a charismatic DP youth leader and rising opposition figure, won the seat. Mabikke had risen to prominence along with the likes of Mukasa Mbidde, Erias Lukwago and Mathias Mpuuga under the Uganda Young Democrats banner.
But after fumbling his career in 2011 but attempting to bite more than he could chew as he jumped into the Lord Mayor race, it has been a sour tale since.
In 2011, John Ssimbwa, the NRM candidate, broke through — largely a result of a fragmented opposition that split the vote across multiple candidates. But his stay was short-lived.
Voter fatigue with the ruling party and growing urban opposition sentiment sent Ssimbwa packing after just one term.
Then came Ibrahim Kasozi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who won in 2016 on a promise to reconnect with the people. His tenure, while visible in Parliament, fell short of transforming lives at the local level.
By 2021, he too had been unseated — swept aside by NUP’s Derrick Nyeko during a red wave that blanketed Kampala.
Sekidde is set to face Ali Mulanyama of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Judith Nuwabeine Abaho of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Lubega Francis of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC),
Micheal Mabikke of the Democratic Front (DF) amongst other independents including Elijah Owobusingye, Tenywa Constantine Padde and Baker Kisarita.
With just months to the elections, the Makindye East parliamentary seat is gearing up to be one of the most closely watched contests of 2026.
“I’m aspiring for Makindye East as an independent under the clock symbol with one simple intention; to get rid of unemployment by over 95%. We intend to set up a job centre in Kabalagala or Kansanga to help us achieve this,” Sekidde said.