Left to right: Dr Nicholas Kamara (incumbent), Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha (NRM), Joseph Mutebile (NRM) and Andrew Baryayanga. PHOTO/COMBO
At least seven contenders have declared their intention to unseat Dr Nicholas Kamara, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Kabale Municipality, in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive parliamentary races ahead of the 2026 General Elections. The line-up features prominent names from politics, law, banking, and business. Among them are Wakiso Deputy RDC Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha (NRM), former MP Andrew Baryayanga (NRM), Kampala lawyer and economist Dan Nabasa (Independent), seasoned banker Joseph Mutebile (NRM), businessman Michael Byamungu (NRM), Kampala-based High Court advocate Stephen Byarugaba (NRM), and Alex Edgar Muhwezi (Independent).
Kamara’s political journey
Dr Kamara joined the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) after losing the NRM primaries in 2015. He first contested as an independent in 2016, losing to Mr Baryayanga, but returned in 2021 on the FDC ticket, defeating six other candidates with 6,399 votes. He has now crossed to the newly formed People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party.
“I have been an active legislator. In 2021, I was appointed to the Covid-19 parliamentary task force whose report informed national policy,” he says. Dr Kamara also cites advocacy work on the Uganda-Rwanda border closure and his role in the parliamentary Health and Climate Change Committees. As chair of the Parliamentary Forum on Non-Communicable Diseases, he has lobbied for better funding for management of diseases such as cancer and hypertension. Dr Kamara believes his record of service gives him a strong chance at a second term.
Challengers outline visions
However, his rivals are determined to exploit what they perceive as weaknesses in his tenure. Sheikh Kamugisha, a lawyer with a Master’s degree in Energy Law and Policy, blames his 2021 loss on religious sectarianism and internal divisions within the NRM.
“The vote was split along religious lines. I was sidelined as a Muslim candidate. The NRM failed to reconcile its own factions,” he says, calling on President Museveni to intervene against identity politics in the region. “We are not going to have an objective election and people shall always be divided on such lines hence bad politics,” he adds.
Mr Dan Nabasa, an economist and founder of Hills FM in Kabale, is contesting as an independent.
“Development does not happen by chance. It’s built on bold, timely decisions and the right leadership,” he says.
“Rewriting our story with the leadership you can trust that can secure a community full of untapped potential but weighed down by challenges that need urgent, intelligent and courageous action. Kabale municipality stands at a crossroad and I feel that I am the best candidate to drive Kabale Municipality to greater heights,” he adds.
He cites values such as accountability and Christian ethics as guiding his political ambitions. “I have learnt a lot, visited places I had never been to, met people who embraced my message, and came out to support my cause. I got a better understanding of the challenges our people face and met so many hard-working and successful people,” he says.
A come-back
Veteran banker Joseph Mutebile, younger brother of late Bank of Uganda Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, is also making a comeback. He says serving the people of Kabale Municipality at parliamentary level has been his dream since 2006 when he first contested and lost to Mr Serapio Rukundo and in 2011 when he lost to Mr Andrew Baryayanga.
“This has been a lifelong dream. I lost in 2006 and 2011 due to inexperience. Now, I have the strategy, networks, and resources,” he said during a press conference in Kabale Town.
Mr Baryayanga, who represented Kabale Municipality from 2011 to 2021 as an independent, is now aligned with the NRM and vows to reclaim his seat.
“I lost in 2021 due to electoral irregularities, but I didn’t petition. My focus is on roads, agriculture, and access to clean water,” he says.
New faces emerge
Kampala-based lawyer Stephen Byarugaba is entering elective politics for the first time.
“I want to provide strategic leadership in line with NRM values and President Museveni’s vision of poverty alleviation,” he says. Mr Byarugaba holds qualifications in education, law, and legal practice.
Mr Turyamureba says that his mission is to promote unity, advocate for improved household income, talent promotion and better service delivery.
Mr Michael Byamungu, a prominent Kabale businessman and chairman of the town’s business community, is also new to the political scene.
“My focus is on economic empowerment through mindset change, vocational skills training, and lobbying for better services,” he says. “Together, we can build a united and developed Kabale Municipality with access to opportunities, resources, and a better life for all the people,” Mr Byamungu explains.
Independent candidate Alex Edgar Muhwezi has also expressed interest in the seat, although he remains less publicly visible in the campaign landscape so far.
A crowded field
Dr Kamara’s challengers represent both familiar and fresh faces in Kabale politics, many of whom have tested the electoral waters before. With the NRM seemingly fielding multiple candidates—officially and unofficially—the internal contest could once again split votes.
Observers say the race is likely to centre on past performance, ethnic and religious affiliations, party loyalty, and the candidates’ ability to connect with grassroots voters.
With Kabale Municipality facing urgent issues such as youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, and rising urban poverty, the electorate is likely to scrutinise candidates closely. As the race heats up, all eyes will be on how the contenders navigate party primaries, public debates, and shifting voter expectations.
The determinants
Key voter concerns in Kabale Municipality revolve around poor road networks in areas such as Kigongi and Mwanjari, high levels of youth unemployment, and inadequate health and education services. Residents have consistently complained about the poor state of local facilities, with many health centres reportedly understaffed and lacking basic medical supplies.
These issues have already featured prominently in early campaign messages and community dialogues. While FDC has historically enjoyed a strong base here, the entrance of influential independents and the NRM’s organisational strength could split the vote.
