Busia, Uganda: John Charles Namayindi, a local FM radio journalist, Thursday pulled off one of the biggest political upsets in Busia District, defeating incumbent National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson Stephen Mugeni Wasike to clinch the LC5 seat as an independent candidate.
Namayindi transitioned from the newsroom to frontline politics, stunning seasoned politicians in a race many had written off as a foregone conclusion in favour of the ruling party.
But speaking shortly after his declaration, the budding journalist said his victory proved that grassroots support can outweigh money and party machinery.
“I did not have money for nominations and had to borrow the Shs200,000 nomination fee. Today’s victory shows that even without money, people can stand with you,” he said, thanking voters across the district for their confidence.
His declaration sparked jubilant scenes in Busia Town, with supporters breaking into song and dance, chanting a popular Samia tune traditionally used to welcome visitors. Celebrations stretched late into the night as crowds escorted the chairman-elect home in a tipper truck.
However, the defeat was not graciously accepted by the outgoing chairperson, Stephen Mugeni Wasike, who dismissed the election as a sham and raised concerns about alleged ballot stuffing.
“This election raises serious questions. How can there be more votes cast for the district chairperson than for women councillors?” Wasike said, adding that he intends to challenge the outcome in court.
Busia District Returning Officer Joan Aduru rejected the allegations, insisting the process was lawful and transparent. “Voters are free to participate in one category of an election without voting in others. The votes cast were valid,” Aduru said.
Other candidates in the race conceded defeat. Peter Namalwa Sireka polled 1,125 votes, Geoffrey Wandera of the National Unity Platform (NUP) secured 2,524 votes, while Ajuma Nabwera of the Uganda People’s Movement (UPM) garnered 808 votes. All pledged to work with the incoming leadership for the development of Busia.
Namayindi said his priority would be to restore unity and improve service delivery, with focus on roads, education, and access to clean water.
“I will promote teamwork and end the cliques, infighting, and divisions that characterised the last five years,” he said.
Former Busia Municipality Mayor Michael Mugeni welcomed Namayindi’s victory, sharply criticising Wasike’s tenure.
“In five years, Wasike caused the transfer of more than five Chief Administrative Officers and dragged several civil servants to court. That badly affected service delivery,” Mugeni said.
As Busia turns a new political page, residents say Namayindi’s rise from journalism to district leadership has reshaped local politics, sending a strong signal that voter sentiment, not party colour or financial muscle, ultimately decides.
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