Voters in Jinja Northern Division are witnessing a rare and closely watched political contest as three well-known journalists go head-to-head for a single councilor seat at Jinja City Council.
The race has captured the attention of residents, who are debating which of the media practitioners – Ivan Mutyaba of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and independent candidates Twahiri Damulira & Joel Balondemu – is best positioned to represent them over the next five years.
Ivan Mutyaba, a seasoned journalist with Busoga One FM, emphasized that his years of reporting on local government have uniquely prepared him for leadership.
"I have been in the field for so long, and I know exactly what the people of my area want. For 13 years, I’ve covered council sessions and seen councilors struggle to articulate issues affecting their areas, even in English. I understand council operations, and I’m confident I can make a difference,” Mutyaba said.
Mutyaba argued that journalists often witness leadership gaps firsthand but rarely have the opportunity to address them directly.
His main rival, Twahiri Damulira of Baba FM, is the sitting councilor for Bugembe Ward. Recent administrative restructuring merged Bugembe, Mafubira, and Budondo Wards, placing him in direct competition with fellow journalists.
"Two journalists are contesting the same seat with me, but I am the sitting councillor. These areas were merged, but I am seeking another term because I know what my people want. I have served them financially and through lobbying. Let voters judge us critically – my records speak for themselves,” Damulira said.
Damulira emphasized the importance of experience in guiding voter choice while maintaining respect for his opponents’ ambitions.
Joel Balondemu, a news anchor at Busoga Royal FM, revealed that he had long prepared for the 2026 council elections.
"After the 2021 elections, I openly announced that I would contest for the councilor seat in 2026. I showed interest first, and my colleagues should honor that," Balondemu said. He lamented the inability of journalists to unite behind a single candidate.
Despite the high-profile contest, residents say professional background matters less than effective service delivery.
"We have no problem with the three journalists contesting. They all live among us. Our only concern is who will serve us better," said Jane Nabaweesi of Mafubira.
Amiina Mwesigwa of Bugembe added that journalists should consider unity in future elections to avoid confusing voters.
The councilor race forms part of a broader political climate in Jinja Northern Division ahead of next year’s general elections. Sixteen contenders, including prominent journalist Hussein Muyonjo alias Swengere, are eyeing the parliamentary seat in the January 15 polls. Thirteen candidates, including the three journalists, are vying for the Jinja North council seat.
The outcome of this unusual contest will be closely watched as residents weigh experience, service delivery, and community engagement in making their choice.