Jun 04, 2025 (Nile Post/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) --
As of June 2, eight journalists from Mubende District have declared their intention to contest for various elective positions under the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the 2026 general elections.
Among the aspiring candidates is Ismael Ssegawa, widely known as "Sureman Ssegawa," a prominent sports presenter at Radio Simba.
He is vying for the Member of Parliament seat for Mubende Municipality.
Ssegawa said he is confident about representing his home area and highlighted several challenges facing the municipality, including high taxes, unreliable electricity, and unemployment.
"I grew up in Mubende and understand the struggles our people face. These problems are solvable, and if voters trust me, I will work to address them," he told The Nile Post.
Ssegawa explained his choice of NUP over other parties by emphasising the call from party leader Robert Kyagulanyi to engage young people in politics.
"I am here to respond to his call because we want to liberate Uganda in 2026. We have seen how NRM MPs have failed our people. It is time for NUP to lead," he added.
Maurice Lule, also known as Omuzambiya, a radio presenter at Heart FM Mubende, announced his ambition to contest for the Bukomansimbi North parliamentary seat.
"Being a journalist does not prevent me from pursuing political office. I am ready to serve the people of Bukomansimbi North if NUP entrusts me with the ticket," Lule said.
Other journalists joining the political race under NUP include Charles Kawuma, current Mayor of East Division and former Mubende FM radio presenter, who may contest against Syliver Kanyike of Heart FM for the same mayoral position.
Abraham Kiggundu, Municipal Councillor for Kisekeende Ward and radio presenter at Mubende FM, is also in the mix.
David Kyeyune, a sports presenter at Mubende FM and Municipal Councillor for Kassana Ward, Moses Ssekagya, a talk show host on Heart FM Mubende aiming for the Rwabagabo Ward councillor seat, and Alex Mugongo, known as Munassingo, a sports presenter at Mubende FM aspiring to be Youth Councillor of East Division, are among the candidates.
Francis Ssenyonyi, South Division Councillor for Gayaza Ward and news reporter at Heart FM, rounds out the list of journalists entering the contest.
It remains to be seen if more journalists will join the race under the NUP banner as the 2026 elections approach.
COMTEX_466080858/2029/2025-06-04T09:00:31
by Fred Ssewajje
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