Summary:
- As per the Electoral Commission’s roadmap, Parliamentary candidate nominations are scheduled for Tuesday, September 16th, and Wednesday, September 17th, 2025. The polling day is set to fall between Monday, January 12th, and Monday, February 9th, 2026, in accordance with Article 62(2) of the constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
MBARARA: Aspirants vying for Parliamentary seats in Mbarara District have kicked off their campaigns ahead of the nomination period slated for next year.
As per the Electoral Commission’s roadmap, Parliamentary candidate nominations are scheduled for Tuesday, September 16th, and Wednesday, September 17th, 2025. The polling day is set to fall between Monday, January 12th, and Monday, February 9th, 2026, in accordance with Article 62(2) of the constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
Despite being a year and a half away from the nominations, the competition for Parliamentary seats in Mbarara is already heating up as aspirants engage in various activities to win over voters.
During the oversight of the District’s belated International Women’s Day celebration at Mirongo Primary School in Kashare Sub County over the weekend, the State Minister for Public Service, Grace Mary Mugasa, expressed concern over the early electioneering, stating that it is hampering the District’s development.
Minister Mugasa emphasized the importance of allowing leaders their full term to serve before engaging in electioneering processes, urging people to respect the electoral timeline to avoid disrupting ongoing development initiatives.
The Minister’s remarks reflect the intensifying pre-election fever fueled by both incumbent politicians and their challengers.
Grassroots canvassing has surged in the district, with MPs leaving their parliamentary duties and civil servants juggling their roles ahead of the Electoral Commission’s call to action.
The most fiercely contested seat in Mbarara District is the Woman Member of Parliament position, currently held by MP Magrete Ayebaare Rwebyambu of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Among the contenders, Loydah Twinomujuni Kyarikunda Muhimbura, the current lady councillor of Rubaya Sub County, has been actively engaging in various initiatives to garner support for her candidacy in 2026. Notably, she has initiated the sinking of over 130 boreholes to address water scarcity in rural areas and facilitated the rehabilitation of several community access roads.
Elsewhere, Patrick Musinguzi (Akooki), a prominent businessman, and Yaguma Wilberforce Rutashokwa, the former Member of Parliament for Kashari County, are also campaigning for the Kashari North Constituency MP seat, currently held by Bazil Bataringaya Rwakwene of the NRM.
In Kashari South Constituency, the incumbent Member of Parliament faces a challenge from Capt. JB Tumusiime Bamuturaki, whom he defeated in the 2021 general elections.
Didas Tabaro, the Chairman of Mbarara District Local Government, revealed that some prospective aspirants have already begun spending money on printing posters and other promotional items ahead of the nominations.
Magrete Ayebaare Rwebyambu, the Woman MP for Mbarara District, highlighted how early election campaigning has significantly impeded their ability to fulfill legislative duties effectively. They find it challenging to advocate for services for their constituents, especially when their opponents are actively undermining their efforts.
