Africa-Press – Uganda. A tight race is taking shape in Namisindwa District as five women prepare to contest for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Woman MP flag, with incumbent Sarah Kayagi notably missing from the political scene since the last election.
Kayagi’s prolonged absence has left a vacuum in local leadership, prompting both seasoned politicians and fresh contenders to step forward ahead of the party primaries.
Among the declared aspirants are Canon Grace Namukhula, Dorothy Wolukawu, Dr Sarah Khanakwa, Peace Khalayi, and Vicot Kharunda.
Canon Grace Namukhula, the district’s first Woman MP following its creation in 2017, is seeking a comeback.
A respected Anglican leader and former chair of the Namisindwa District Service Commission, Namukhula is running on a platform of integrity, service, and experience.
“I have presided over a corruption-free Service Commission, marking the end of nepotism and bribery in recruitment,” she said.
Despite her credentials, some locals say her late re-entry into the race may have cost her grassroots support.
“By the time she declared her bid, many people had already pledged support to other candidates,” said a voter from Bumbo Sub-county.
Another front-runner is Dorothy Wolukawu Nebokhe, the district speaker and long-serving local government official.
With a political career spanning over two decades, she is campaigning on her record of public service and development.
“I have served as a district executive and speaker for two consecutive terms,” she said.
“I’ve lobbied for projects, improved roads, and established schools like Buwatuwa, Kisawayi, and Nemba through personal networks and donor partnerships.”
Wolukawu also cited the creation of several town councils and health facilities during her tenure, noting: “The road network is better than it was when we became a district.”
Representing a new generation of leadership is Dr. Sarah Khanakwa, a public health expert with a PhD in Health Economics.
She has worked in both government and international NGOs for over 15 years and is promising issue-based leadership focused on health, education, and policy reform.
“I bring a blend of technical and political expertise,” she said.
“Our people deserve leaders who can draft and push for laws that truly reflect their needs.”
Also in the race is Peace Khalayi, the youngest of the five.
Though new to elective politics, Khalayi is drawing attention for her strategic backing, especially from her influential father, a respected local businessman.
Her campaign is well-resourced and disciplined, making her a formidable contender despite her inexperience.
“She may be young, but she has come in strong,” said a resident.
“Now we want to see if she can speak to real issues, not just ride on her father’s name.”
Vicot Kharunda, a grassroots mobilizer known for her work with women’s groups, is also contesting but remains the quietest campaigner so far.
The contest is unfolding against a backdrop of growing frustration in Namisindwa, a district that many residents now describe as neglected.
Among the top concerns is the long-promised but still unfulfilled tarmacking of the Kufu-Bupoto-Magale-Munamba road.
Equally frustrating to locals is the district’s lack of a Health Centre IV—making it the only district in Uganda without one.
These issues have dominated campaign pledges in past elections, but many feel the promises have gone unfulfilled.
As one local elder put it, “Every election, we’re promised better roads and a hospital. We vote, and nothing changes.”
With the NRM primaries drawing near, the electorate now faces a crucial decision: whether to reward seasoned experience, fresh ambition—or fall back into the old trap of short-term inducements.
The real contest may not just be between the five women—but between merit and money.
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