22/10/2025
Buzz and Excitement as Sironko District Nomination Exercise Kicks Off
SIRONKO — There was excitement and jubilation across Sironko District on Tuesday as hundreds of residents turned up to witness the nomination of candidates contesting for parliamentary seats ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The nominations attracted aspirants for both Woman Member of Parliament and Constituency MP positions, drawing huge crowds from various villages to Sironko Town Council.
Among those nominated were Asha Mafabi Nabulo (NRM), Florence Nambozo Wamala (Independent), Scovia Gimono (Independent), Julius Nakiyi (NRM – Budadiri East), and Vincent Waboya (Independent – Budadiri East), among others.
Festive Mood in Sironko
The day’s event turned festive as supporters thronged the streets, dancing to kadodi drumbeats and campaign songs played from vehicles mounted with loudspeakers. The processions paralyzed traffic in Sironko Town for several hours as residents cheered and escorted their preferred candidates to the nomination centre.
Asha Mafabi Pledges Accountable Leadership
Speaking shortly after her nomination, Asha Mafabi Nabulo, the NRM Woman MP flag bearer for Sironko, said she was confident of victory, citing her extensive consultations with the electorate.
“I have spent time listening to the people of Sironko, and I believe I understand what they need,” Nabulo said. “My leadership will focus on elevating the welfare of women and ensuring they are uplifted.”
Later, while addressing a rally at Budadiri Town Council playground, Nabulo vowed not to seek re-election in 2031 if her performance fails to satisfy the people of Sironko.
“If by 2031 the people of Sironko feel I have not served them well, I will not seek another term,” she declared.
NRM Officials Call for Support
Hajji Sulaiman Lumolo, the NRM Chairperson for Sironko District, called on residents to support NRM candidates, saying the district has been left behind under opposition leadership.
“It’s time for Sironko to return to the mainstream,” Lumolo said. “We have lagged behind because of the opposition. Let’s vote NRM so we can enjoy the benefits of government programmes.”
Godfrey Kiwanda, a senior NRM mobilizer, said the ruling party continues to gain support even from opposition members.
“It’s no longer a secret,” Kiwanda noted. “Many opposition politicians have realized the truth and decided to support President Museveni and the NRM.”
NRM Deputy Spokesperson Rogers Mulindwa revealed that the party’s campaign strategy will emphasize grassroots mobilization to consolidate support for all NRM candidates.
“Our campaign will center on village and parish leaders who understand the ground,” Mulindwa said. “They will play a key role in gathering votes for the President and NRM flag bearers.”
Independent Candidates Cry Foul
However, the nomination exercise was not without controversy. Florence Nambozo Wamala, the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, was nominated as an Independent after withdrawing from the NRM primaries, citing irregularities.
She alleged that the district NRM Chairperson — who is also the father of Asha Mafabi Nabulo — interfered with the internal election process.
“I refused to take part in a flawed process. The matter is known to the President, and I am ready to contest as an Independent,” Nambozo stated.
Similarly, Vincent Waboya, former MP for Budadiri East (2016–2021), said he chose to run as an Independent after what he described as irregularities in the NRM primaries held in July.
“The party primaries were conducted in a sham manner,” Waboya said. “I decided to contest as an Independent because of the unfairness I faced.”
The Sironko nomination exercise marked a vibrant start to the election season in Bugisu Sub-region, with supporters and candidates alike already setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive 2026 race.
