Robert Ssekitoleeko, the Bamunanika County Member of Parliament in Luwero District, has condemned the practice of transporting supporters to campaign rallies.
The Electoral Commission has nominated seven candidates to contest for the Bamunanika County parliamentary seat currently occupied by Ssekitoleeko of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Ssekitoleeko is being challenged by Dr. Robert Kiyini (NRM), Thomas Lugalama (FDC), Stanley Kamya Kigozi (PFF), Innocent Ssenyange (DF), Elizabeth Anyine Salabwa, and Thompson Ssewabuga, both independent candidates.
On Wednesday, Ssekitoleeko and the other candidates met at the Electoral Commission offices to draw up a campaign programme ahead of the official campaign kickoff scheduled for Monday, November 10.
Ssekitoleeko is expected to launch his campaigns on Wednesday, November 12, at a rally anticipated to be graced by fellow Members of Parliament and artists.
The legislator said that unlike other candidates, he prefers to address residents within the areas he visits rather than moving with large crowds.
“Transporting people from one area to another is deceptive. You can’t estimate your support in a particular place if most of the people attending are traveling with you from one rally to another,” Ssekitoleeko said.
He revealed that he intends to hold rallies at parish level and take a short break after every five days to assess progress.
“Don’t expect me to hire boda bodas or trucks to transport supporters to campaign venues. I intend to mobilise people within their parishes and meet them at community centers where I will account for what I have done,” he added.
Ssekitoleeko also clarified that moving alone during rallies should not be mistaken for a lack of supporters.
“I have support everywhere I intend to go, so don’t expect me to move with crowds to prove my popularity,” he said.
The MP further expressed confidence in retaining his seat, saying he has little competition to fear.
“You see, people vote for leaders who represent them. I am a true reflection of the Bamunanika County people. If I managed to defeat Minister JC Muyingo, who had all the resources at his disposal, what about these other candidates?” Ssekitoleeko questioned.
However, Dr. Kiyini expressed confidence that he can unseat Ssekitoleeko, arguing that the area has lagged behind in development under his leadership.
“My focus in this campaign will be to ask people to vote for me to promote agribusiness, which is my profession. I will also ensure that residents benefit from government programmes such as PDM and Emyooga. The incumbent has been discouraging these programmes instead of helping people to benefit from them,” Kiyini said.
Kiyini pledged to conduct an issue-based campaign and is being backed by former area MP and State Minister for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo.
Now that the candidates have drafted and signed the campaign programme, the stage is set for the 2026 general elections.
Will Ssekitoleeko retain the seat, or will Dr. Kiyini replace him? Let’s watch the space as campaigns officially begin next week.
