President Museveni’s campaign for NRM candidate Rose Kabagyeni aims to reaffirm her as the trusted choice for continued development and stability. His presence in Kisoro is particularly crucial given recent divisions within the local NRM leadership. Dr. Philemon Mateke, the local NRM Chairman and long-time party figure, has publicly broken ranks by supporting independent candidate Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to the election.
On the other side, Bobi Wine’s support for NUP candidate Salim Sultana represents a direct challenge to the NRM’s dominance in Kisoro. His campaign is expected to focus on inspiring change among voters, especially youth, by highlighting issues such as education, healthcare, and corruption. Bobi Wine has consistently criticized Museveni’s long tenure, accusing the president of entrenching power and neglecting the needs of ordinary Ugandans.
The convergence of these two political titans in Kisoro sets the stage for a fierce contest of ideas and loyalties. The outcome of this by-election could serve as a barometer for the broader political mood in Uganda, potentially influencing strategies for both the ruling party and the opposition in future electoral contests.