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LIST: Who’s Who in the race for Mbale City Woman MP seat?

L to R Aspirants in Mbale-City-Woman-MP-Race; Connie Nakayenze Galiwango (Incumbent), Lydia Wanyoto, Rita Namuwenge, Dr Sarah Wasagali and Harriet Kakai

The race to become Mbale City’s Woman Member of Parliament (WMP) has gained high stakes and the approaches taken by candidates often reflect the diverse expectations of voters. From mourning rituals to intellectual discourses, candidates must adapt to win the hearts of their electorate.

If you meet the expectations of voters, be prepared to go to great lengths to impress them. For example, if mourning the deceased to earn favor with a grieving family, you may need to outdo your opponent. If your rival mourns by circling the grave ten times or visibly shedding tears, you might consider doubling or tripling their efforts to ensure your sincerity is noticed. Rolling in the mud or performing elaborate displays of grief can also attract attention in some settings.

Voter needs vary widely from place to place. Some communities value intellectual discussions and will vote for candidates who can articulate public policy effectively. In contrast, others prioritize basic commodities like salt and posho over lofty political speeches. For individuals grappling with illnesses such as hydrocele or cervical cancer, political rhetoric holds little appeal compared to tangible assistance.

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A Crowded but Unique Race

The upcoming election for the Mbale City Woman Member of Parliament, less than a year away, has drawn several contenders. These candidates qualify to represent women in Parliament, as outlined by Uganda’s Constitution and electoral laws, which require a minimum education level of Advanced Level (A-Level).

Although the race is crowded, it is not particularly competitive. Women’s elections are perceived differently from those of men, especially among the Bamasaba people, where ritualistic ties often influence voting patterns. For example, men who underwent circumcision in the same year tend to support each other politically as “age mates” (Bakoki). This cultural aspect, however, does not extend to women, who are often perceived as divided by petty rivalries.

Women’s voting behaviour can be unpredictable. Unlike men, who celebrate each other’s victories, women are less likely to uplift fellow women. Petty jealousies—such as envy over well-groomed hair or polished appearances—can influence voting decisions. Wearing a wedding ring or lacking one might also evoke judgment from voters.

Who are the Candidates for Mbale City WMP Seat

The following are the individuals vying for the Mbale City Woman MP position come 2026:

  1. Hon. Connie Nakayenze – The incumbent and seasoned politician who keeps her supporters guessing about her next move.
  2. Hon. Lydia Wanyoto – Senior Presidential Advisor and member of the NRM’s Central Executive Committee.
  3. Hon. Namuwenge Rita – National Coordinator of EMYOOGA program under Office of the President.
  4. Hon. Harriet Kakai – Deputy Mayor of Mbale City.
  5. Hon. Mariam Nambuya – Mbale City Speaker.
  6. Dr. Sarah Wasagali – Chairperson of the Electricity Regulatory Board.
  7. Sarah Watsemwa – Mbale City employee and niece of the late James Wapakhabulo.
  8. Hon. Margaret Wokuri Matanda – A member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

What Do Voters Want?

This question remains one of the most challenging to answer. Studies conducted by organizations such as the Advocates Coalition for Environment and Development (ACODE), the Good Governance Center Mbale, and the Bugisu NGO Forum reveal that voter preferences vary significantly across communities.

Voters in affluent areas, like Kololo, are less likely to attend rallies and tend to focus on policy and intellectual discourse. Meanwhile, in remote localities like Mbale City, voters prioritize personal needs over community projects such as roads or hospitals. Items like salt, sugar, mattresses, food, and even alcohol often outweigh the appeal of political manifestos.

However, when all candidates offer similar material incentives, voters may develop new criteria for decision-making. For example, they may favor the candidate who cried most genuinely at a burial or spent more time interacting with them during personal hardships.

Tips for Candidates

Candidates should avoid the following pitfalls if they wish to stand out:

  1. Generic Messaging: Tailor your speeches to your audience. Intellectuals may appreciate well-reasoned arguments and policy proposals, but in slum areas, simple promises and material support carry more weight.
  2. Inappropriate Contexts: Avoid intellectual discussions in informal settings like malwa joints. Instead, provide more malwa, water, and sugar to win over voters.
  3. Overcomplicated Campaigning: Focus on the specific needs of each constituency. In some areas, rolling in the mud at a burial might win votes, while fiery intellectual speeches might be more effective elsewhere.

In a subsequent issue of the DailyExpress, we will analyze the strengths of each candidate and explore what makes them more favorable in this highly contested race for the Mbale City Woman MP seat.

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