Joab Businge, incumbent Masindi Municipality MP (left), Winnie Kabakumba Matsiko, who is eyeing the Masindi Woman MP seat and Earnest Kiiza who wants to contest for the Masindi Municipality MP seat. Photos/File
Former government ministers hailing from Masindi District, who lost in the 2021 General Election, are plotting a comeback ahead of the 2026 elections. The seasoned politicians have stirred controversy by launching early campaigns, despite the Electoral Commission setting official nominations for September 16–17, 2025, according to the electoral roadmap.
Notably, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, to which they belong, has yet to launch its campaign activities officially. Among them is former Minister for Bunyoro Affairs Earnest Kiiza (NRM), who is already working behind the scenes to reclaim the Masindi Municipality seat, which he lost to Mr. Joab Businge (FDC) in 2021.
Similarly, former Minister for the Presidency Kabakumba Matsiko (NRM) has set her sights on dethroning Dr. Florence Asiimwe from the District Woman Member of Parliament seat. The above aspirants and others are employing grassroots mobilisation and leveraging digital platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and WhatsApp to reach voters and shape perceptions—despite the Electoral Commission’s explicit ban on early campaigns.
Reflecting on his 2016–2021 tenure, Mr Kiiza cited his experience in local and national politics as a critical advantage.
“I will use my previous experience in government and my connections within the Bunyoro Sub-region, which will resonate well with the electorate,” he remarked.
He added:
“My priority now is to ensure Kigulya Division gets its much-needed health centre, our community has been without proper healthcare facilities for a long time, and this is one area where I believe I can make a real difference. I also want to work on programmes that will provide sustainable livelihood support to local homes to help families improve their economic situation.”
The incumbent, Mr. Businge, who obtained 10,440 votes in 2021, said:
“Our community’s land rights are under threat, and I will make it my mission to ensure the people of Masindi have legal protection for their land. We need stronger laws to defend land ownership, especially for vulnerable groups.”
What incumbent says
“In addition to that, I am committed to improving our education system. I will work towards better infrastructure for schools and increased support for our teachers and students,” he added.
Joining the contest is Mr. Rogers Kanti of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who got 1,382 votes in the 2021 contest.
“I am coming back in the 2026 General Election backed by NUP’s growing influence in the area, particularly among younger voters. Our party’s emphasis on democratic reforms and anti-corruption resonates strongly with the people,” he stated.
Mr. Rogers Byamukama, the current head of marketing at the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA), is also making a political comeback under the NRM ticket. Mr. Byamukama, who contested as an Independent in the 2021 elections and only secured 7,031 votes, said:
“I am not a stranger to the political landscape of Masindi. My campaign will focus on leveraging my professional experience and connections in the sports sector to appeal to the youth and sports enthusiasts.”
Another aspirant, Mr. Innocent Turyahikayo of the Democratic Party (DP), is also making his second attempt at the Masindi Municipality MP seat after a poor showing in 2021, where he garnered only 276 votes.
“This election is about building trust with the people and delivering meaningful change,” he said.
For the District Woman Member of Parliament seat, former Minister Kabakumba is banking on her current role as NRM district chairperson to strengthen her campaign. Ms. Kabakumba, who represented Bujenje Constituency from 2011 to 2016, has faced two electoral defeats since then, in Bujenje County in 2016 and in Masindi Municipality in 2021. She is now eyeing the District Woman MP seat.
“My priority will be to ensure better service delivery and economic empowerment for women in Masindi. Women need to become pillars of development in their communities,” she told Daily Monitor.
Kabakumba said she is actively rallying support within the NRM and grassroots structures, but critics remain skeptical, citing her track record in previous government roles as a point of contention.
Dr. Florence Asiimwe, the incumbent Woman MP, will face stiff competition from Ms. Kabakumba and Ms. Jalia Bintu Lukum Abwooli. Ms. Bintu, who lost her 2021 bid for Buruli County to Mr. Ronald Akugizibwe, is now eyeing a return to her former seat as District Woman MP. She said her campaign is centred on healthcare and agriculture, which are vital for Masindi’s development.
“We need a district hospital that meets the needs of our people. Additionally, women in Masindi need access to modern farming techniques to increase productivity and improve their livelihoods,” she said.
Ms Bintu has pledged to lobby for establishing a hospital in Masindi and champion modern agricultural practices, particularly for women farmers.
The incumbent, Dr Asiimwe, said she is focused on her development initiatives, which include securing the Women’s Council, offering bursaries to economically-disadvantaged bright students, and providing community support through tents and chairs for local events.
“I have always been committed to the people of Masindi, and my track record speaks for itself. I focus on uplifting women, youth, and the underprivileged to ensure sustainable development for our district,” Dr Asiimwe said.
She is also prioritising youth empowerment through skills training and supporting sports initiatives.
