Africa-Press – Uganda. A total of 45 candidates have been nominated to contest for parliamentary seats in Mukono District as the nomination exercise entered its final day on Thursday.
The race has drawn contenders from six political parties and a record number of independent aspirants.
According to figures from the Mukono District Electoral Office, Mukono municipality Constituency attracted the highest number of aspirants with eleven, Mukono south ten candidates, followed by Nakifuma County with nine, and Mukono North with six. The Mukono Woman MP seat drew nine contestants.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) and National Resistance Movement (NRM) lead the pack with five nominated candidates each, followed by Democratic Party (DP) presented four aspirants, while the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Democratic Front (DF) each fielded two.
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) had three nominees. Independents totaling 20 candidates.
Political observers say the surge in independent candidates reflects internal party disagreements and a growing trend toward individual popularity over party loyalty.
The nominations saw the return of several prominent politicians. Robert Kafeero Sekitoleko (NRM) Nakifuma, Former State Minister Ronald Kibuule (NRM) is seeking to reclaim his Mukono North seat, facing stiff competition from incumbent Abdallah Kiwanuka (NUP) and several independents.
In Mukono Municipality, outspoken legislator Betty Nambooze (NUP) will defend her seat against rivals Hanifah Nabukeera, George Fred Kagimu (DP), Daisy Nabatanzi (NRM), and a group of independent contenders.
Meanwhile, Fred Kayondo (DP) returns in Mukono South, where he faces newcomers including Robert Maseruka (NUP), former Makerere Guild President, and Tadeo Kintu (NRM), among others.
The Mukono Woman MP contest has also drawn intense interest, with seven women entering the race. Those nominated include Vitarine Nasubuga Nalumansi (FDC), Margaret Nakavubu Bakubi (NRM), Shielah Dravile Amaniyo (NUP), Hasifa Namazzi (DP), and independents Peace Kusasira former Woman MP and Norah Sylvia Namutosi.
Observers predict that the women’s race will be one of the major highlights of the district’s elections, given the diversity of party representation and the rise of new independent candidates.
With nominations now concluded, campaigns are set to begin next week under guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission.
“The exercise was peaceful, and all nominated candidates met the required legal conditions,” said Mark Muganza Mayanja, the Mukono District Returning Officer.
“We urge all contestants to maintain a spirit of tolerance during the campaigns.”
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