KAMPALA, Uganda — As Uganda’s 2026 general elections draw closer, tension is rising in Nakawa East over the parliamentary bid of Kibirige Kassim. Once considered a minor political figure, his sudden emergence as a contender has sparked criticism from residents and political observers, many of whom describe his candidacy as lacking substance.
“He has nothing to show us. No history of service. No contribution to our struggles. Just a name and ambition,” said Sarah Nansubuga, a market vendor in Banda. “We cannot gamble with our future on a candidate like that.”
Critics argue that Kassim lacks the vision, experience, and community engagement required to represent a constituency as diverse as Nakawa East. While other aspirants have been active in grassroots projects and advocacy, Kassim has remained largely absent, only resurfacing during the election season.
Within the National Unity Platform (NUP), concerns are also mounting. Party insiders suggest that Kassim has not met the standards of integrity, mobilization, and public trust required to earn the party’s endorsement.
“We’ve worked too hard building this party’s name,” a local NUP mobilizer told reporters. “We can’t throw it away on someone who doesn’t even understand the issues in his own constituency.”
At recent public forums, Kassim is said to have struggled to articulate clear policies on key issues such as healthcare, housing, and youth unemployment. His performance has reinforced perceptions that he is ill-prepared for parliamentary office.
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Residents have called on both NUP and the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure that only capable and community-rooted candidates are cleared to contest.
“We are tired of politicians who appear during campaigns and disappear after winning,” said Brian Lule, a boda boda rider in Ntinda. “Kibirige Kassim is not the leader we need.”
With the race for Nakawa East intensifying, political parties face growing pressure to vet aspirants thoroughly.
For many voters, one message stands out: leadership must be earned through consistent service, not short-lived ambition—and Kassim has yet to convince them he is up to the task.
