The race for the Katikamu North Member of Parliament seat is heating up as candidates finalize their campaign programmes ahead of the upcoming general elections.
The Electoral Commission has nominated six candidates to contest for the seat. They include incumbent MP Denes Sekabira (NUP), Gaddafi Nasur (NRM), Benjamin Ssembatya (PFF), Kasagga Bazanyanengo (DF), and independent candidates Kasule Umar and Ronald Ndawula.
On Wednesday, the candidates and their agents met at the Electoral Commission Offices to harmonize the campaign schedule. Kasule and Ssembatya attended in person, while the other candidates sent representatives.
Under the agreed programme, Nasur will launch his campaign in Kakabala Parish, Sekabira in Kakinzi, and Ndawula in Bweyeyo Parish. Kasagga will begin in Kyalugondo, Kasule in Migadde, and Ssembatya in Bamugolodde Parish.
Nasur will take a tactical break from general campaigning between November 17 and December 7, 2026. The campaigns are set to culminate with mega rallies on January 13, 2025, ahead of the elections.
Ndawula is focusing his campaign on his record, including laying the foundations for Luwero Hospital’s 100-bed maternity ward, Luwero District Headquarters, and Kasana Playground. He is also highlighting his contributions to the construction of schools, health centers, and other community projects to solicit voter support.
Nasur is campaigning on a message of ending opposition dominance in the constituency. He is leveraging his track record of establishing hundreds of boreholes, poultry projects, and, recently, a radio station in Kiyenje Zone that promotes his candidacy.
Nasur argues that the area has lagged in development because the incumbent opposition MP has prioritized political battles over President Museveni rather than advocating for local development.
New entrant Benjamin Ssembatya says he will prioritize improving education and health services, as well as protecting residents from land grabbers. “Many of the residents are landless due to grabbers. In this campaign, I am the right candidate to speak for them,” Ssembatya said.
Incumbent MP Sekabira is determined to retain his seat. He is also establishing a community radio station on 97.5 FM. Sekabira has constructed the Kasana Pineapple Market and contributed to schools, churches, and other community projects.
He is well-known in the sports sector, supporting annual tournaments and playing regularly for Tukolerewamu FC based at Kasana Playground. Sekabira insists he is best placed to represent the constituency and claims residents are ready to see a new government after losing trust in President Yoweri Museveni.
As campaigns commence, Katikamu North is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched constituencies in the elections.
