Minister Kamya, Kasibante in tough race

Ms Kamya, the NRM flag bearer, has previously represented the constituency (2006 and 2011 on the FDC ticket) before she formed the Uganda Federal Alliance party, which she abandoned to join the NRM.

“I always strive to leave a positive track record.  I have published more than 200 articles in Uganda and internationally,”  Ms Kamya says in reference to her legacy as the former MP. 

Regarding her achievements, Ms Kamya says she created Lubaga North Development Association (LUNDA), a community development organisation, which has issued out at least 4,000 bursaries from nursery to university.

She says LUNDA has about 2,000 youth whom she helped to secure boda boda loans while at least 500 women are engaged in poultry projects.

“Lunda is still growing strong. It is my joy and pride. It has managed to thrive because we built it on non-political leanings,” Ms Kamya says.

Incumbent

Mr Kasibante, formerly of the Democratic Party, has vowed to contest as an independent after the National Unity Platform (NUP) denied him the flag, which was handed to Mr Kawalya.

The former teacher and journalist, says his stance on national issues has remained the same whether in Parliament or not.
In 2016, Mr Kasibante retained his seat after garnering 17,802 votes ahead of his immediate rival, Ms Kamya who polled 16,664 votes.

“One of the few members who can debate unchallenged on issues such as education, health and human rights in Parliament is myself,” Mr Kasibante says.

The incumbent says he has fought unnecessary eviction of vendors, for instance in Kasubi and Nakulabye markets.
“A market has now been constructed for Kasubi after resisting the eviction. On education, I saved land belonging to KCCA schools under UPE that had been threatened by encroachers, including those using government influence,” Mr Kasibante says.

An acre of land belonging to Namungona, Kigobe Primary School in Lubya had been threatened by encroachers and land grabbers had wanted to demolish Kasubi Family Primary School.

“I have also helped to mobilise people in self-help programmes, including contributing to Saccos,” he says.
Mr Kasibante recently launched a campaign dubbed: “Rubaga North not for sale”. 

“The people of Rubaga North need a legislator who can speak in Parliament and who cannot be bought and that is me. I am hearing that sacks of money are being distributed but that is not what people want and that is not a threat to me,” he says.

With the entrance of Mr Kawalya in the race, some political commentators have predicted there will be splitting of votes within the Opposition,  giving Ms Kamya the chance of regaining the seat.

Mr Kawalya recently told this newspaper that he is capable of representing the constituency.
“I have been in service since my student days. And as councillor for Rubaga North, I represent four out of the five parishes that form our constituency, ” he says.

During a heated campaign to elect the KCCA speaker, Mr Kawalya left  FDC and opted to stand on the People Power ticket .  He became the speaker after trouncing FDC’s Doreen Nyanjura, now the deputy Lord Mayor.

Mr Kawalya promises to work with the youth, saying they have been ignored.
“I have been working with the youth in my area and we have fought for the markets that faced evictions,” Mr Kawalya says.
Mr John Ssempa, a political analyst in the constituency, says Mr Kawalya brings new dynamics into the race.

“He represents the young people who have always been left behind but now have the inspiration from Bobi Wine [Robert Kyagulanyi, Kyadondo East MP]. That means he is likely to pull the youth and part of the Opposition poll,” Mr Ssempa says.

“But if Ms Kamya retains all her NRM support, it might outweigh that of the Opposition. But Kampala is predominantly Opposition and it gives the NRM candidates the hardest time, so anything is possible here,” he adds.

The constituency still has a poor drainage system, garbage disposal and sanitation, which many political players say those vying for leadership want to capitalise on.

Mr Samuel Kaluya, a boda boda cyclist, says Mr Kasibante has not done enough to solve such challenges.
“When we vote Kasibante, he goes to Parliament and only returns in another elective season. His support has been dwindling because of his absenteeism on the ground,” Mr Kaluya says.

However, Mr Kasibante says he has already started improving the sanitation and drainage systems in Kawaala, Kosovo and Masanafu through contributions and communal activities such as bulungi bwansi.

“We have also contributed to improving health by organising health camps, and providing ambulance services,”Mr Kasibante says. 

Expectations

Although a legislator’s role is to make laws and hold government accountable, some voters expect their MPs to provide services, which are government’s responsibility.  

Mr Ssentamu Ssewandagi, who is vying for councillorship, accuses Mr Kasibante of being selfish.
“Even when you are a good debater in Parliament, your electorate expects something from your pocket. Kasibante scores little on this,” Mr Ssewandagi says.

Whoever wins Kasubi is likely to win the vote because it constitutes at least 80 per cent of the entire voting population.

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