Nyendo-Mukungwe mayoral seat attracts three Opposition candidates

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The race for the Nyendo-Mukungwe Division mayoral seat in Masaka City, a battleground for the 2026 General Election, has drawn significant attention as three prominent Opposition candidates have thrown their hats into the ring.

Ronald Kasenkende of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Denis Majwala of the Democratic Party (DP), and Joseph Yiga of the Democratic Front (DF), all strong contenders, have set the stage for a fiercely contested election.

DP Mayoral race candidate for Nyendo-Mukugwe Division in Masaka City, Denis Majwala, addressing journalists at the EC nomination centre, Sazza in Masaka City. (Photo by Dismus Buregyeya)

NRM party supporters in Masaka City dancing outside the EC nomination Centre Sazza in Masaka City. (Photo by Dismus Buregyeya)

Rogers Bulegeya, the Masaka city chairperson for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, expressed confidence that internal divisions among the Opposition present an opportunity for the NRM to reclaim Masaka.

"We have prepared a powerful candidate in Justine Nakayenga, who will be nominated on Wednesday," he told New Vision Online on Monday, September 8, 2025.

"It’s time for the NRM to recapture Masaka from the opposition parties."

Internal rifts

Meanwhile, internal rifts within the NUP appear to have been temporarily set aside as two rival factions in the party unite behind their chosen candidate, Ronald Kasenkende. Florence Namayanja, a prominent NUP figure in Masaka city, and Alice Nanungi, the party’s parliamentary aspirant for Nyendo-Mukungwe, have reportedly reconciled to back Kasenkende’s bid.

Namayanja, who was previously criticised by Kasenkende for allegedly fuelling internal conflicts, assured supporters that personal differences would not hinder their collective goal.

"Regardless of our internal misunderstandings, we are going to support our party flag-bearers," she said. The duo has pledged to embark on door-to-door campaigns to strengthen grassroots mobilization.

However, not all NUP supporters are convinced of Namayanja’s reliability. A source within the party, who spoke to New Vision Online on condition of anonymity, accused her of inconsistency.

"We do not trust Namayanja. She says one thing today and does the opposite at night," the source claimed.

They further warned that her actions could lead to independent candidacies, including that of Tom Luyambya, in the Nyendo-Mukungwe mayoral race.

The source also cautioned Namayanja about potential repercussions from key Democratic Front members, including Mathias Mpuga, City Woman MP Juliet Kakande and Dr Abed Bwanika, who represents Kimanya-Kabonera Division.

"They will not spare her come the 2026 City Mayoral race," the insider added.

As the political landscape in Masaka heats up, the contest for the Nyendo-Mukungwe mayoral seat promises to be a litmus test for both the opposition and the ruling party. With multiple stakeholders vying for influence and allegiances shifting rapidly, the outcome remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that voters in Masaka City will play a decisive role in shaping the region’s political future.