Kampala Markets to NUP. Replace Malende if You Want Our Votes

A section of Kampala voters has spoken out against Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende, arguing that her focus on defending jailed National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters cannot substitute for actual service delivery to the city’s residents.

Residents in markets and low-income communities say that while Malende’s role as a lawyer has earned her praise within the opposition, her constituents feel abandoned on issues that directly affect their daily lives, such as poor healthcare, unemployment, lack of clean water, and crumbling infrastructure.

“Defending NUP’s political prisoners is not the same as serving the people of Kampala,” one market vendor told reporters. “Even outside parliament, she could still do that for the good of the party. But as our MP, we expected her to focus on uplifting our welfare. That is what service delivery means.”

The discontent comes at a time when NUP is grappling with internal debates over whether to retain Malende as its flagbearer in 2026 or front a new face such as Zahra Luyirika, the current Speaker of Kampala City Council Authority, who has already signaled interest in the seat with strong track record in service delivery and ground presence. 

Political analysts argue that while Malende’s health struggles and courtroom battles for NUP supporters have kept her in the national spotlight, they have also distanced her from her constituency. Unlike colleagues such as Rubaga South MP Aloysius Mukasa, who has gained popularity through consistent community engagement and charity initiatives, Malende is increasingly seen as absent from the very people who voted her into office.

With Kampala emerging as a hotbed of political competition, the debate over “service delivery versus activism” could shape the next Woman MP election. Many voters warn that if NUP insists on recycling leaders they describe as “detached,” the ruling NRM may capitalize on the growing frustration to reclaim the seat.

“Parliament is about representation and improving our lives, not just court cases,” another resident remarked. “If NUP returns Malende, we may have no choice but to look elsewhere.”