The Nyendo-Mukungwe Division parliamentary seat is emerging as one of the most hotly contested races ahead of the January 15 general elections, with shifting alliances and new political strategies reshaping the local landscape.
Incumbent Member of Parliament Mathias Mpuuga, now seeking a fourth term, faces strong competition from Gyaviira Lubowa Ssebina of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Racheal Nakitende of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The race intensified after lawyer Sam Muyizzi and Woman Councillor Alice Nannungi stepped down in favour of Ssebina, consolidating support within the NUP camp.
Mpuuga began the current term with significant political influence following his appointment as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP).
However, his relationship with NUP deteriorated after a controversial Shs 500 million “service award” he received as a parliamentary commissioner. While NUP demanded his resignation, Mpuuga defended his actions, insisting no wrongdoing. The fallout prompted his departure from the party.
In July, he and allies including Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Kimaanya–Kabonera MP Abed Bwanika and Juliet Kakande launched a new political outfit, the Democratic Front (DF), which all three now represent in their bids for re-election. DF has since announced it will not field a presidential candidate, citing a lack of meaningful electoral reforms and a history of presidential elections that “favour Mr Museveni.”
Asked why DF is contesting other positions while boycotting the presidential race, Mpuuga said the focus is on “reform, transition, and reconciliation,” noting that structural barriers mainly affect the presidency.
Nyendo-Mukungwe has long been considered a stronghold of the Opposition. During his November 14 campaign launch, NUP candidate Ssebina urged voters to elect a leader “ready to initiate development projects” and committed to closely scrutinising the national budget to secure funding for Masaka City.
Ssebina also expressed confidence in defeating his rivals, saying his professional background and track record position him as the right candidate to drive the constituency’s growth.
During a recent rally in Kikuubo Lane, Mpuuga faced tough questions from voters over DF’s decision not to endorse a presidential candidate. A voter challenged the party’s stance, questioning why it is not backing Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine despite DF not fielding its own candidate.
Mpuuga responded by saying that voters are free to support any Opposition presidential candidate. Bwanika added that DF will announce its preferred candidate after Mr Kyagulanyi’s rally in Masaka on November 29.
While the Opposition remains dominant in Masaka, internal divisions could open opportunities for the ruling NRM. Party spokesperson Muhammad Yiga criticised what he called “Opposition infighting,” saying it has hindered service delivery.
NRM candidate Racheal Nakitende is campaigning on promises of youth and women empowerment, aligning her agenda with government programmes such as the Parish Development Model.
Local NRM councillor Dan Mugema argued that voters are prioritising capable leaders over party allegiance, adding that some newly incorporated city areas still lack basic social services.
Masaka-based analyst Muhammad Kigongo believes the real contest is between Mpuuga and Ssebina, noting that integrity and commitment to the Opposition’s cause will likely determine the next MP.
He said Ssebina has strong ties within the Catholic Church—an institution with significant influence in local politics—which could boost his campaign.
Some residents, such as Rehema Kaboggoza, remain confident that the constituency will remain in Opposition hands. Others, including NUP supporter Shafik Mukasa, accuse Mpuuga of being too close to government figures, a claim the incumbent rejected during a rally at Matanga Trading Centre.
“Being in Opposition doesn’t mean we shouldn’t demand our share of the national cake. If lobbying for better roads and improved school infrastructure is a crime, then I’m guilty,” Mpuuga said.
Mpuuga launched his political career in the Buganda Kingdom as State Minister for Youth Affairs before winning the Masaka Municipality parliamentary seat in 2011 as an Independent. He later ran on Democratic Party and NUP tickets before forming DF in December last year.
With an estimated 181,869 residents and more than 70,000 registered voters, Nyendo-Mukungwe remains one of the most closely watched races in Greater Masaka and across Uganda. In the 2021 election, Mpuuga won with 26,810 votes against six challengers.
The upcoming election is expected to test party loyalties, personal track records, and shifting political dynamics in a constituency where the outcome is far from predictable.