Kololo, Uganda: The contest for the Central Region Youth MP flagbearer for the ruling NRM party has narrowed into a fierce duel between Sameul Begira and Kimuli Louis, as Special Interest Groups (SIGs) delegates prepare to cast decisive votes today at Kololo.
While the field includes other candidates in Sharon Nassolo Umutoni, Ignatius Kangave Musaazi, and Nankya Esther, insiders say momentum has shifted into a two-horse race, with Begira banking on grassroots mobilization and Kimuli leaning on strong organizational networks to sway delegates.
Delegates at UICT Nakawa on Sunday, where accreditation was ongoing, revealed the heightened tension between the two front-runners who remain in a fierce race for the queued-up polls happening this day at Kololo.
“Begira has been with the youth on the ground for a long time. Many of us feel he understands our daily struggles,” said one delegate from Mukono, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals.
Another delegate from Wakiso, Lydia Namuddu, pointed to Kimuli’s machinery, saying, “He is organized and has a serious campaign team. Many delegates believe he can translate our issues into real influence at the national stage.”
For the other candidates, the challenge has been visibility and delegate reach. Sharon Nassolo Umutoni, a born of Kiboga District in Central Region, is said to have run a spirited campaign on female inclusion, while former Nkumba University Guild President, Ignatius Kangave Musaazi, has projected himself as an intellectual youth voice.
Nankya Esther, who completed the set of the flag race, has rallied mainly on education reforms. However, analysts argue their impact may only influence run-off alliances rather than outright victory.
The vote, delegates say, will test whether grassroots mobilization or structural networks carry the day in Central. “This election is different because the Central Youth bloc is highly competitive and can tilt national balances,” remarked Paul Kato, a political observer following the accreditation process.
By Monday morning, whispers in the corridors suggested that whichever way the Central youth flagbearer contest goes, it will send a strong signal into how SIG delegates are redefining youth leadership — torn between loyalty to established structures and the appeal of grassroots connection.
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