By Racheal N Namuli
As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) gears up for its mayoral primaries across the country, tension is mounting in Entebbe Municipality, where party supporters eagerly await the selection of the NRM flagbearer.
Currently, seven candidates from various political parties have declared their intentions to run for mayor of Entebbe. Among them, three are contesting under the NRM banner.
The contenders include:
- Sserwadda Omar (Democratic Party – DP)
- Ssekyondo Richard (National Unity Platform – NUP)
- Lwanga Gasuza Musisi (NUP)
- Habib Kashilingi (NRM)
- Fabrice Rulinda B. (NRM, incumbent mayor)
- Mutebi Michael Kabwama (NRM)
- Nakamya Assumpta (Independent, and the only female candidate in the race)
The primary focus within the NRM lies on the heated rivalry between the incumbent mayor, Fabrice Rulinda, and Michael Kabwama Mutebi, mirroring the 2021 primaries. Back then, Rulinda lost the NRM ticket to Kabwama but chose to run as an independent and ultimately won the general election.
According to sources on the ground, the same fierce competition is brewing again between the two, as both candidates aggressively mobilize support in hopes of securing victory.
It is worth noting that the 2021 mayoral race was marred by political violence, including a tragic incident in which a supporter of Kabwama Mutebi was shot dead in Entebbe town. The memory of that violence looms large as this year’s primaries approach.
With tensions rising and campaign activities intensifying, Entebbe residents brace for a highly charged political contest.
