Africa-Press – Uganda. A high-stakes political showdown is unfolding in Buyanja County, Kibaale District, where seven candidates have picked nomination forms to challenge Finance Minister Matia Kasaija for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Kasaija, now 80, has represented the constituency in Parliament since 2001 and is serving his fourth term.
Despite his senior ministerial role and lengthy tenure, critics say Buyanja has little to show in terms of infrastructure and basic service delivery.
His challengers argue that the constituency remains underdeveloped and that the long-serving MP is out of touch with grassroots voters.
Buyanja County includes eight sub-counties and two town councils and is one of the largest constituencies in Kibaale District.
The aspirants seeking to unseat Kasaija include Catherine Katusiime, Herbert Baitwa, Dr Paul Kyalimpa, Engineer Julius Mwesigwa, Dr Charles Ntege, Bwamiramira Sub-county councillor Godfrey Mwebaze, and former teacher Andrew Tinka.
Dr Ntege accused the minister of presiding over stagnation.
“Imagine, in Buyanja—where the Finance Minister comes from—there is still no district hospital. The promised modern market has never come. People never even get to interact with their MP,” he said.
Catherine Katusiime is positioning herself as a voice for marginalized groups.
“Women, children, and the poor have not been represented in Parliament. Our MP is too high up. They only see him on TV or hear him on the radio. They cannot share their concerns with him,” she said.
Several aspirants, including Dr Ntege, Katusiime, and Mwebaze, say Kasaija’s ministerial duties have left him with little time to engage constituents.
“He is too busy to represent us. Let him remain a minister and let us elect a vibrant youth who can keep reminding the President about Buyanja’s issues,” said Godfrey Mwebaze.
Some voters share similar sentiments.
“Let him come and show us what legacy he leaves behind. Nothing. Karuguuza, our main town, is in a sorry state—no market, no hospital, no good roads,” said Geoffrey Alinda, a resident of Karuguuza.
However, Kasaija’s camp is brushing off the criticism as politically motivated. His campaign manager, John Bosco Sewanyana, maintains that the minister’s legacy is solid and speaks for itself.
“Despite the political noise, many of his opponents acknowledge his contributions. He secured a Shs5 billion annual road budget for Kibaale, established two road units, and procured a school bus for St. Kirigwaijo Secondary School. The challenge is that he doesn’t parade his achievements,” Sewanyana said.
Sewanyana also outlined Kasaija’s next-term plans, including the establishment of an industrial park in Mugarama Sub-county, with 100 acres of land already purchased.
He said the minister is also pushing for the elevation of Kibaale Health Centre IV to district hospital status and the tarmacking of the Liberation Road from Kyegegwa to Birembo and Pacwa through Kazo and Kiboga.
“We also want to ensure Kibaale gets the modern market already budgeted for. He may not always be present, but he has built structures that follow through on his programs, and services are being delivered,” he added.
The growing field of challengers signals a fierce battle ahead for Kasaija in Buyanja County, as calls grow louder for generational change and greater grassroots presence.
Whether the seasoned politician can fend off the wave of criticism and secure a fifth term remains to be seen.
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