Fierce Battle Looms as 19 Aspirants Line Up to Succeed Rt. Hon. Nandala Mafabi in Budadiri West Constituency

Sironko District

The political temperature in Budadiri West County, Sironko District, is rising sharply as 19 aspirants have officially been nominated to contest for the Member of Parliament seat for the 2026–2031 term. The seat, currently held by Rt. Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, becomes vacant as he shifts his focus to a national bid — contesting as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag bearer in the upcoming 2026 general elections.

The nominations, conducted by the Electoral Commission at the Sironko District headquarters, have drawn a mix of political heavyweights, seasoned contestants, and ambitious newcomers, turning Budadiri West into one of the most hotly contested constituencies in eastern Uganda.

A Record 19 Candidates in the Race

The list of nominated aspirants includes:

Hon. Counsel Masanga Isaac Kidasa – NRM Flag Bearer

Hon. Barrister Mashate Peter Magomu – Independent (NRM-leaning)

Hon. Herbert Emmanuel Mwambu – Independent (NRM-leaning)

Hon. Wanyenze Tabitha Mashate – Independent (NRM-leaning)

Hon. Nakisali Christopher – Independent (NRM-leaning)

Hon. Kisolo Jackson – Independent (NRM-leaning)

Hon. Rev. Magombe Jackson – FDC Flag Bearer

Hon. Wanyoto Godfrey – Independent (FDC-leaning)

Hon. Mudathiru Jaffari Webisa – NUP Flag Bearer

Hon. Wanyonyi Michael – Independent

Hon. Wanduyi Francis Mashate – Independent

Hon. Bossa Nassar – Independent

Hon. Mafabi Alex – Independent

Hon. Sharif Makwasi – PFF Flag Bearer

Hon. Mugembe Amos – Independent

Hon. Magombe Festo – Independent

Hon. Mangali Charles Nabubolo – Independent

Hon. Mudebo Polycarp – Independent

Hon. Wagima Christopher – Independent

Former Party Loyalists Go Independent

Interestingly, most of the aspirants are former NRM party flag bearer contestants who, after bruising internal primaries, have opted to return to the field as independents. The fallout from the NRM primary elections has left deep divisions, with several candidates accusing the party electoral machinery of irregularities and ghost voting.

A similar wave of discontent has been felt within the FDC, where the party’s internal structures remain weakened following years of internal strife. The once-dominant force in Budadiri West is now described by political analysts as a “shadow of its former self”, split both at the national and local levels.

Political Dynamics and Sponsorship Allegations 

Reports from the ground suggest that some first-time contestants may have been strategically sponsored to split votes and distort traditional voting patterns — a strategy that could benefit certain established candidates. Given Budadiri West’s complex rural demographics, where tribal and ethnic loyalties often play a significant role, such maneuvers could decisively shape the final outcome.

However, whether this vote-splitting strategy will pay off remains to be seen. Political observers caution that the voter base is increasingly alert and discerning, with residents likely to reward candidates who demonstrate tangible commitment to service delivery rather than political maneuvering.

A Test of Ground Mobilization

As campaigns prepare to kick off, even those who triumphed in party primaries are being tested on their ability to attract genuine votes, rather than rely on internal party endorsements. Many are realizing that the real election battle lies in mobilizing grassroots support, establishing credible campaign teams, and maintaining vigilance during vote counting.

With cross-party candidates deploying trained agents and tightening control over polling stations, the Budadiri West race promises to be intense, competitive, and unpredictable.

Budadiri West: A Hotspot to Watch in 2026

Political watchers agree that Budadiri West will be among the key battleground constituencies in eastern Uganda during the 2026 elections. The exit of Rt. Hon. Nandala Mafabi from constituency politics marks the end of an era, but it also opens a new chapter for ambitious contenders eager to define the next phase of leadership.

As campaigns unfold, voters in Sironko District will be closely watching how each aspirant addresses core issues such as education, infrastructure, youth employment, and agricultural transformation — the pillars that have long defined the region’s development agenda.

With 19 determined aspirants, Budadiri West has firmly positioned itself as a microcosm of Uganda’s broader political landscape — dynamic, unpredictable, and charged with both ambition and uncertainty.