The political battleground in Kasese District is heating up as Uganda’s two main political parties—the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)—prepare for what is shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown in the 2026 general elections.
Both parties are scrambling to win the hearts and minds of voters in a district that has historically been a stronghold for the opposition, but has increasingly become a zone of fierce contest.
FDC’s push to reclaim lost glory
The FDC’s local leadership has declared a full-scale comeback. After a clean sweep in 2016, the party saw its dominance shaken in 2021, when it lost three of its six parliamentary seats to the NRM. Now, they’re on a mission to win them back—and then some.
Ronald Kabuku, FDC’s Kasese District Chairperson, says the party has learned from its past missteps. This time, the focus is on fielding candidates who are deeply embedded in the communities they hope to serve.
“We are fronting people who are tried, tested, and trusted. Our candidates must speak to the realities of everyday Kasese residents,” Kabuku told Kampala Town in an interview.
He added that local connection and integrity will be the cornerstone of the FDC’s campaign strategy moving forward.
NRM’s eyes on total control
On the flip side, the NRM is determined to build on its recent gains. The ruling party, which wrestled back three seats in 2021, is now aiming for a full sweep of Kasese’s parliamentary representation and district leadership.
Johnson Kamalha, NRM’s vice chairperson in the district, pointed to the visible work done by NRM representatives as proof of the party’s growing popularity.
“Development is visible. Our message is simple: let the results speak. The people can see the roads, the schools, the services,” Kamalha said.
He noted that while current leaders will be the face of the campaign, the party is also tightening internal structures to prevent splits after primaries.
A call for unity within ranks
Party loyalists across the NRM have already begun urging unity among candidates. They stress that post-primary divisions have historically cost them votes—and they’re determined not to repeat that mistake.
“Let’s put the party above personal ambition. Losing primaries should not mean sabotaging the winner,” said NRM cadre Edith Muhindo. “Unity will be our strength heading into 2026.”
What’s at stake for Kasese?
Kasese is no ordinary political prize. Its strategic location, historical leaning towards the opposition, and symbolic value make it one of the most-watched districts every election cycle.
In 2016, the FDC’s clean sweep of all six parliamentary seats sent shockwaves through national politics. In 2021, the NRM clawed its way back—signaling that the battle for Kasese is far from settled.
Now, with both parties mobilizing early and aggressively, 2026 could mark a major turning point in the district’s political narrative.
For the people of Kasese, it’s more than just an election—it’s a referendum on leadership, progress, and trust. And as the campaigns gain momentum, the stakes have never been higher.
