Will Dr. Kamara retain the Kabale Municipality MP Seat?

Kabale-Uganda .The contest for the Kabale Municipality Parliamentary seat will officially kick off as the Electoral Commission nominate aspirants on Wednesday and Thursday at the District Rukiiko Hall, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched political races in Kigezi Sub-region.

Among the notable contenders vying for the seat are former MP Andrew Aja Baryayanga (NRM), incumbent MP Dr. Nicholas Kamara (FDC), Kampala-based lawyer Counsel Dan Musinguzi Nabaasa (Independent), and Jussy Aine (FDC).

Baryayanga Makes a Political Comeback Under NRM

Andrew Aja Baryayanga, represented Kabale Municipality in Parliament as an independent until 2021, and now  is the  official flag bearer of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Baryayanga, who lost the 2021 election to Dr. Kamara, recently clinched the NRM flag after defeating Sheik Kassim Kamugisha, Joseph Mutebile, Michael Turyamureba Byamungu, and Stephen Byarugaba in the party primaries. He secured 10,245 votes, far ahead of Kamugisha’s 4,132 votes.

During his nomination, Baryayanga pledged to continue supporting agricultural initiatives, a sector in which he has previously earned praise for distributing maize seedlings and farming equipment to households. He also promised to revamp sports infrastructure and programs in the municipality to engage the youth.

“Our people need practical solutions that put money in their pockets. We shall expand agriculture, support youth talents, and create opportunities for everyone,” Baryayanga said after his nomination.

Dr. Kamara Seeks Second Term on PFF Ticket

Incumbent MP Dr. Nicholas Kamara, a respected medical professional and vocal legislator in Parliament, is seeking to retain his seat on the PFF ticket. Dr. Kamara is best known for his work in improving healthcare services in Kabale, particularly maternal health.

Under his leadership, he has donated ultrasound scan machines  and other medical support to health facilities such as Rushoroza Hospital, Rugarama Hospital, Kirigime Health Center III, and Kamukira Health Center IV . He also purchased an ambulance for the municipality, easing maternal referrals and emergencies.

Dr. Kevin Akampurira, the Medical Superintendent of Rugarama Hospital, praised Kamara for “revolutionizing maternal health in the municipality.”

Many mothers like Betty Ainomugisha have benefited from his maternal programs at Mutambuka, where free ultrasound scans, mama kits, and ambulance services are offered.

“Dr. Kamara has saved lives, and that’s something people don’t forget,” Ainomugisha said.

In addition, Kamara has empowered farmers in the municipality through the distribution of maize seedlings, support for piggery projects, and other livelihood initiatives

Independent Voice: Counsel Dan Nabaasa Enters the Race

Kampala-based lawyer and businessman Dan Musinguzi Nabaasa has also thrown his hat into the ring as an independent candidate. Nabaasa, a partner at MNA Advocates, has emphasized infrastructure, education, and healthcare as key pillars of his campaign, especially as Kabale prepares for city status.

Unlike his rivals, Nabaasa has chosen a grassroots approach, engaging in house-to-house meetings to interact directly with voters. He believes Kabale needs “new leadership that listens and acts.”

The Little-Known Contender: Jussy Aine of FDC

Also in the race is Jussy Aine, who is relatively new on the political scene but has promised to improve infrastructure and education standards in the municipality. While he remains less prominent than his competitors, his candidacy adds an interesting dynamic to the race.

The Road to 2026

As the nomination dust settles, Kabale Municipality gears up for an intense campaign period ahead of the January 2026 General Election.

The battle lines are drawn between Baryayanga, seeking to reclaim his lost seat under NRM; Dr. Kamara, defending his record on health and community service; Nabaasa, presenting himself as a fresh voice; and Aine, promising change.

The big question remains: Who will win the hearts of Kabale Municipality voters in 2026?