Sironko, Uganda: Former Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Executive Director, Francis Mashate Wanduyi, has officially announced his bid to contest for the Budadiri West Parliamentary seat in the 2026 elections, stepping into the political ring as an independent candidate.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday at Dvvan Lounge in Sironko District, Mashate declared his intention to “rescue” the constituency following the anticipated departure of incumbent MP Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the FDC Secretary General.
“I am stepping forward to rescue the constituency from stagnation after the departure of current MP Nandala Mafabi,” Mashate said. “I’m not looking for a job; I’ve worked in government for 25 years. I’m here to build Budadiri West. With my experience, I’ll help SACCOS access development funds.”
Though NRM-leaning, Mashate criticised the recently concluded NRM party primaries, citing lack of transparency and widespread irregularities that led several aspirants, including himself, to opt for independent candidature.
“This shows that NRM has grown and has many potential leaders,” he said, pledging to lobby for better roads, push for municipal status, and champion government support for town councils. “I will deliver a block vote from Greater Buyobo, and with support from Buwalasi and Bukulo, we shall win,” he vowed.
Wokou Maberi Backs Mashatte, Hands Over Team
In a show of unity, Paul Wokou Maberi, a former NRM flag bearer aspirant in the primaries, officially handed over his campaign team and coordinators to Mashatte during the press event.
Wokou, visibly disappointed with the party process, said, “Everyone saw what happened in Sironko’s NRM primaries; the confusion was too much. For 25 years, candidates have been given the NRM flag but failed to win. We are saying enough is enough. Museveni has always won in Sironko, but the MP seat remains a challenge.”
He added, “We believe Francis Mashate, although running as an independent, is an NRM member at heart and has the potential to win and serve the people effectively. For the love of Budadiri West and the NRM, we are backing a capable candidate who can deliver.”
Mashate, who hails from Sonoli in Buyobo Sub-county, boasts a deep résumé, having served at UBOS, the Ministry of Finance, and previously held the position of Prime Minister of Inzu Ya Masaba.
Support Grows Across Political Divide
Several prominent local leaders, including those from rival political camps, have rallied behind Mashate.
Hajji Ayub Wanzira, a former FDC aspirant, revealed he was stepping down from the race due to irregularities within the opposition primaries, opting instead to back Mashate, a fellow Buyobo native.
Kanene Johnson, a former supporter of Hon. Nandala Mafabi and resident of Kama Town Council, also declared allegiance to Mashatte. “Now that Nandala is focusing on the presidency, I am backing Francis Mashatte,” he said.
Mashate’s entry into the Budadiri West race is seen as a game-changing move in the unfolding realignments ahead of the 2026 general elections.
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