The National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates in Nakaseke District have pledged to regain constituencies currently under opposition control. Historically, Nakaseke, once the stronghold and operational base of the National Resistance Army during the 1981–1986 guerrilla war that brought President Yoweri Museveni to power, has been a bastion of NRM support.

In recent years, however, the party’s dominance has waned. By the 2021 general elections, the NRM had lost a second parliamentary seat to the Opposition when Allan Mayanja Ssebunya of the National Unity Platform (NUP) unseated incumbent Syda Bbumba in Nakaseke Central.

On Tuesday, State Minister for Kampala Metropolitan Affairs, Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye, officially launched his campaign at Butalangu Town Council, promising to reclaim the Nakaseke Central parliamentary seat. Kyofatogabye is competing against Kiyingi Godfrey (Democratic Party), Amon Kabugu (Independent), Alex Ssenkaali (Forum for Democratic Change), Walakira Ddungu (Democratic Forum), and incumbent Allan Mayanja Ssebunya (NUP).

During his address, Kyofatogabye underscored the NRM’s achievements and commitment to its manifesto. He cited advancements in education and healthcare across all sub-counties since the party took power. He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects such as the tarmacking of the Luwero–Butalangu and Matugga–Kapeeka roads, which he described as crucial for transporting milk and other agricultural produce.

According to Kyofatogabye, the government has injected 17 billion shillings into Nakaseke through the Parish Development Model, directly benefiting 17,530 residents. He further noted that 14 out of 15 sub-counties are connected to electricity, and 318 of the district’s 443 villages now have access to clean water. He urged voters to “support President Museveni and the NRM to protect these gains.”

Kyofatogabye pledged to champion agricultural modernization and advocate for the establishment of a Land Fund to prevent tenant evictions. Criticizing his main rival, he claimed that “the previous term was wasted as the MP focused on campaigning against NRM programs instead of promoting them for local benefit.”

Meanwhile, incumbent MP Allan Mayanja launched his re-election campaign in Kamuli Parish, Kikamulo Sub-county. He dismissed the NRM’s promises, asserting that “the NRM government has nothing new to offer Nakaseke.” Mayanja positioned himself as a defender of residents against land grabbing and corruption, highlighting his role as Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises.

In Nakaseke South, NRM flag bearer Charles Nsereko Basajjassubi also began his campaign, seeking to unseat incumbent Paulson Luttamaguzi Ssemakula (NUP). Nsereko criticized Luttamaguzi for “rubbishing programs like the Parish Development Model instead of mobilizing people to benefit from them,” adding that, “I am contesting to serve as a link between the government and the people of Nakaseke, who were abandoned by MP Luttamaguzi.”

Luttamaguzi, who has yet to officially launch his campaign, defended his record in Parliament. “I fight to protect people’s land from grabbers backed by state institutions. I have donated to churches, schools, and health centers. The constituency is pro-opposition, and I will be re-elected,” he said.

In Nakaseke North, NRM’s Professor Wilber Ahebwa, who defeated former MP Enock Nyongore in the party primaries, faces competition from Geoffrey Kayanja of the NUP.

For the District Woman MP seat, Sarah Najjuma (NRM) will contest against Esther Nakawooya (NUP).

As campaigns intensify, Nakaseke District has emerged as a crucial battleground where the NRM aims to recapture lost constituencies and consolidate its support base for President Yoweri Museveni.