Kampala, Uganda – The contest for Kyadondo East Constituency in the upcoming 2026 General Election is heating up, with Mr. Rajjabu Ssozi officially joining the race.
Ssozi picked up the expression of interest forms on Tuesday, 24th, declaring his intention to challenge Hon. Muwanda Nkunyingi, the current MP known for his vocal opposition stance and frequent parliamentary walkouts.
Speaking shortly after receiving the forms, Ssozi emphasized a new style of leadership, one he says is firm yet pragmatic, especially when it comes to parliamentary conduct.
“I will not walk out of Parliament on uncontroversial bills. The people of Kyadondo East deserve full-time representation, not symbolic protests,” he said.
Though Ssozi did not mention Nkunyingi by name, his remarks were widely interpreted as a criticism of recent walkouts by opposition MPs, particularly members of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who have made headlines for exiting Parliament in protest of the amendment of the UPDF bill.
Hon. Nkunyingi, a prominent NUP figure and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, has been one of the most visible faces of legislative activism, often leading protests inside and outside Parliament. His supporters view these actions as a bold stand against executive overreach, while critics like Ssozi argue that such methods can dilute the effectiveness of representation.
A relatively new name in national politics, Rajjabu Ssozi has gained popularity in grassroots circles in Kyadondo East for his community empowerment programs, including youth skilling, small business funding, and health awareness campaigns. He describes himself as a servant leader rooted in dialogue, not drama.
His entry into the race adds a new dynamic to the constituency that gained national attention in 2017 when Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) won the seat in a landslide by-election, launching his meteoric rise in Ugandan politics.
Once a stronghold of opposition momentum, Kyadondo East has become a symbolic battleground for Uganda’s evolving political identity. Ssozi’s candidacy, which promotes constructive engagement over confrontation, could appeal to constituents who are frustrated with theatrics in Parliament and are eager for legislative productivity.
However, unseating Nkunyingi, a seasoned mobilizer with strong NUP grassroots support, will be no easy feat. Political analyst Dr. Kenneth Wamala observes.
“Ssozi is betting on protest fatigue, but Nkunyingi represents resistance politics. The battle here is between institutional reform versus revolutionary pressure and that’s a tough sell.”
With nomination forms now collected, Ssozi is expected to undergo his party’s internal vetting process, followed by a constituency-wide mobilization campaign. He has already hinted at launching a People’s Listening Tour across the zones of Kasangati, Wampeewo, Bulamu, and Nangabo to gather input for his campaign manifesto.
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