Africa-Press – Uganda. The race for the Jinja City Woman Member of Parliament seat has officially kicked into high gear, with over ten aspirants eyeing the position currently held by the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Manjeri Kyebakutika.
The contest is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the country as contenders from across Uganda’s political spectrum including the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and Democratic Party (DP) prepare to battle for supremacy.
Jinja City, which attained city status in 2020 after being carved out of Jinja District, is experiencing intensified political activity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The Woman MP race has particularly attracted significant interest, with the seat drawing attention not only for its symbolic importance but also for the performance record of its current occupant.
Kyebakutika, who made history in 2021 as the first Woman MP of Jinja City and remains the only NUP Member of Parliament from the entire Busoga sub-region, is seeking a second term.
In the previous election, she triumphed with 26,952 votes, defeating 11 other candidates. NRM’s Annet Musika followed with 17,477 votes, while FDC’s Enid Nabukwasi secured third place with 8,709 votes.
However, her re-election bid is facing strong resistance—not only from rival parties but also from within her own NUP. At least two party members, including Florence Nasuubo, have thrown their hats in the ring. Nasuubo, already on the campaign trail, is marketing her “Triple T” campaign—focused on Trade, Tourism, and Transport—as the formula to restore Jinja’s lost industrial glory.
“Jinja is Uganda’s industrial heartbeat. It needs someone who understands how to unlock that potential through trade, tourism, and transport,” Nasuubo noted during a recent engagement with party supporters.
Another strong challenger is Zainah Nambi Wakeba, affiliated with the FDC Katonga faction and hopeful of running under the People’s Front for Freedom, pending clearance by the Electoral Commission. Nambi is pitching herself as a grassroots candidate with a focus on amplifying the voices of market women and informal traders.
“The ordinary woman in Jinja especially in our markets—deserves a voice that truly speaks for her needs,” said Nambi.
The NRM, not to be outdone, has fielded at least seven contenders who are seeking the party flag. Among them is seasoned politician Agnes Nabirye.
Nabirye previously served as Woman MP for Jinja District (2011–2016) and more recently as Resident District Commissioner for Buvuma. She believes her experience gives her a competitive advantage.
“Leadership is not just about promises. I have a proven track record in governance and service delivery. I was once a councillor at Jinja District Council, where I was Deputy Speaker, served as Member of Parliament and RDC, so I am the most suitable candidate,” she asserted.
Other notable NRM aspirants include Sirina Kyakuwaire, the Deputy Speaker of Jinja City, who is championing agriculture-based policies tailored for peri-urban and rural communities.
“The biggest part of Jinja City is semi-urban, where the majority are farmers—especially in Jinja North—so I will amplify the voice of the farmers when I get to Parliament,” she said, adding that even her role as Deputy Speaker of Jinja City has brought her close to the local people.
“I know the challenges in our communities be it Kisima, Bugembe, Budondo, Walukuba, Mafubira, name it—because I have been working in the communities the last four years. I have been a councillor as well as Deputy Speaker.”
Meanwhile, radio veteran Esther Mirembe is banking on her influence and media background to connect with the electorate, promising to prioritize industrial rejuvenation.
“It’s a public secret that Jinja was an industrial hub, as well as an education centre where different categories of people used to come for work and attend the powerful schools like Busoga College Mwiri, Jinja College, Jinja Secondary School, among others—but all this is history,” Mirembe said, emphasising the need to elect a ruling party Member of Parliament who can act as a link between government and the local person to resuscitate the lost industrial glory of Jinja.
The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is once again fronting Enid Nabukwasi, who is back for a second shot at the seat. Despite recent turbulence within the party, Nabukwasi believes her grassroots mobilization and consistent community engagement will give her the edge.
“I have never stopped working with the people, and they know I will represent them fearlessly,” she said.
When asked whether the friction in her party might affect her candidacy, Nabukwasi revealed that this time round they’re fronting a formidable candidate for President of Uganda—Nathan Nandala Mafabi—whom she is sure shall galvanize party support from the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party (DP) has endorsed Margaret Nakamatte, a candidate who has vowed to represent the interests of ghetto youth and marginalised women.
“We need leadership that reflects the reality of the ghetto and helps uplift our youth who lack jobs, and the majority are in a state of despair,” Nakamatte said.
As the competition intensifies, civic leaders are urging voters to prioritise substance over political affiliation. Edith Tibenkana, Chairperson of the Jinja City Women Council, emphasised the need to elect a candidate committed to empowering women and addressing their unique challenges.
“Let us look beyond party lines. What matters most is a leader who understands and advocates for the needs of women in Jinja,” Tibenkana said.
With the field crowded and passions high, the Jinja City Woman MP race is set to be one of the most dynamic political contests ahead of the 2026 elections. All eyes will be on the candidates as they battle for the mandate to represent the women of one of Uganda’s most historically significant and strategically positioned cities.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
