Television personality Miles Rwamiti has declared his ambition to challenge Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi for the Nakawa West parliamentary seat in the 2026 elections. Rwamiti, who will run under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, expressed strong confidence in his ability to secure victory.
Speaking on Sanyuka Television on Wednesday, Rwamiti boldly stated:
“Yes, I’m coming for the Nakawa West seat where there’s Ssenyonyi.”
Switching Sides: From FDC to NRM
Rwamiti’s political journey has seen a significant transformation. For years, he was associated with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), an opposition party. However, in 2023, he officially joined the NRM, a move that surprised many of his former political allies.
At his graduation dinner last year, Hajjat Hadijja Namyalo, the coordinator of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), publicly welcomed him into the ruling party.
“Yes, we fished Rwamiti from FDC. He is now ours, and we will definitely support him in what he decides to do in 2026,” Namyalo affirmed.
Rwamiti Defends His Political Shift
Addressing his decision to align with the ruling party, Rwamiti stated:
“I subscribe to a good cause and believe in NRM. You can’t fight the dictator without being close to them.”
This statement has sparked a heated debate, with critics accusing him of political opportunism, while his supporters argue that strategic alliances are necessary for effective political influence.
A History of Electoral Defeat
Rwamiti is no stranger to political contests. In the 2021 general elections, he contested for the Hoima East parliamentary seat, but the outcome was disastrous. He secured only 149 votes, a humiliating defeat against the eventual winner, Patrick Mwesigwa Isingoma. The loss became a subject of widespread mockery on social media.
Despite this past setback, Rwamiti remains undeterred and believes Nakawa West presents a better opportunity for success. His campaign will likely face an uphill battle against Ssenyonyi, a widely respected political figure and spokesperson for the National Unity Platform (NUP).
With Nakawa West being a stronghold of the opposition, Rwamiti’s decision to contest under the NRM ticket sets the stage for a fierce political showdown in 2026.