Former Mukono Municipality Mayor George Fred Kagimu has officially declared his intention to contest for the Member of Parliament seat for Mukono Municipality, setting the stage for a highly charged political contest.
The declaration was made during the launch of his campaign manifesto, which attracted hundreds of supporters, local leaders, and DP loyalists.
One of the key highlights of the event was Joachim Ssendi, the LCI Chairperson of Lweza’s declaration to rejecting envelop from other contenders to support them.
“I had to forego acceptance of brown envelopes to support Kagimu. I believe in his leadership and development agenda,” Ssendi told the cheering crowd.
Ssendi is a renowned grassroots mobilizer in Mukono and is remembered for confronting then Minister Mayinja Mayanja when he allegedly undermined the Kabaka during a visit to Mukono.
His endorsement is seen as a major boost to Kagimu’s campaign. Despite remaining in DP, during the previous campaigns, he supported Betty Nambooze to victory.
While unveiling his manifesto, Kagimu urged voters to prioritize competent leadership over party loyalty.
“We must vote diligently rather than prioritizing political parties that usher in incompetent leaders,” Kagimu said.
He emphasized empowering the boy child, noting that most programs have focused on girls’ empowerment, leaving boys behind.
He also pledged to follow up on graduates, identify their abilities, and support them to fight unemployment among the youths.
Kagimu further promised to create a round-table working environment with municipal leadership to ease service delivery.
“Leadership leaves no legacy once the community empowerment fails. We must start with government programs and lobby beyond borders for more support,” he added.
During his tenure as mayor, Kagimu lobbied for security lights, road graders, and opened road boundaries that contributed to the GKMA-UDP road network.
He also pushed for the upgrade of Mukono General Hospital and Goma HC IV, initiated the youth skilling centre, and secured a garbage truck for waste management.
Samuel Lwandasa, from the Inter-Faith Greater Mukono, urged religious leaders to guide communities to elect good leaders.
“We have a duty to protect our sheep through guiding them to elect good leaders,” he said.
Dr Livingstone Ssewanyana, who rarely attends partisan political meetings, surprised many with his presence.
“My presence is an indicator that Kagimu is the best candidate. I believe he can change Mukono. We need better leadership, proper roads, stable power, and a beautiful town. We have the potential and resources; what we lack is good leadership,” Ssewanya remarked.
Denis Majwala, Deputy Spokesperson of the Democratic Party, cautioned voters against making decisions out of excitement.
“I am dismayed that the majority of voters have abandoned the demand for federal governance. DP has its own problems, like other parties, but we must focus on electing capable leaders,” Majwala noted.
Meanwhile, Kenneth Ssebagayunga urged the opposition to avoid confrontational politics.
“Abusing Museveni takes us nowhere. We are only against bad governance, not development. If you’re here to oppose development, stay at home and treat yourself,” he warned.
Kagimu’s second entry into the race is expected to shake up the political landscape of Mukono Municipality, which has long been a stronghold of Nambooze. With seasoned mobilizers joining his camp, Kagimu is positioning himself as a candidate of development, unity, and practical leadership.
