Politics in Nakawa East has taken an unusual turn as Kato Kenneth Mufumbiro, the identical twin brother of jailed National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, has stepped in to campaign on his behalf ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections.
Kato, who has taken charge of his brother’s campaign for the past two months, acknowledges the challenge of living up to Waiswa’s political charisma.
“My brother’s shoes are really big,” Kato said. “But I’m determined to walk this journey for him until he returns. I want to keep his message and spirit alive.”
He launched his brother’s campaign with a door-to-door drive across Nakawa’s suburbs, drawing mixed reactions from residents. In some areas, constituents mistook him for Waiswa himself.
“In places like Kinawataka, people thought my brother had been released,” Kato recalled. “Others were simply shocked to see someone who looks exactly like him campaigning.”
Despite the initial confusion, Kato has won admiration from many residents for his courage, with several pledging continued support for Waiswa.
“I’ve had to pause everything else,” Kato explained, referring to putting aside his event planning business. “This is bigger than me it’s about keeping the hope of change alive for our people.”
Kato is not alone in carrying forward a jailed candidate’s campaign. Doreen Kaija, the former head of the NUP Leadership School and candidate for the Nakawa East LC5 Councillor seat, remains behind bars, with her family taking up her campaign responsibilities.
NUP leaders in Nakawa have lauded Kato’s efforts, describing him as a symbol of resilience and unity within the party.
“You can see the spirit of Waiswa in him,” said Buken Ali alias Nubian Li, NUP flag bearer for the Nakawa mayoral seat. “Kato has taken on this responsibility with strength, humility, and passion.”
The party officially handed Kato the NUP umbrella during a campaign launch at Mbuya Playground, entrusting him to carry forward his brother’s political vision.
As the campaign trail heats up, speculation is growing that Kato may be laying the groundwork for his own political journey.
“I never thought I’d join politics,” he said with a smile. “But now, I’m ready for whatever comes my way. I’m doing this for my brother and for the cause we both believe in.”
With Kato at the helm, Nakawa East voters will decide whether the Mufumbiro name can once again inspire change — this time, through the twin who refused to stand by while his brother remained behind bars.