Kampala Women Traders Warn NUP: If You Return Malende, We Will Vote NRM
Kampala’s market women have issued a stern warning to the National Unity Platform (NUP), saying they will shift their support to the ruling NRM if the opposition party decides to front Hon. Shamim Malende for another term as Kampala Woman MP in 2026.
During interviews conducted in Nakasero, Owino, and Nakawa markets, women expressed deep dissatisfaction with Malende’s performance, claiming she has been absent both in Parliament and among her constituents since being sworn in.
“We voted for her with hope, but after swearing in, she disappeared. We do not see her, we do not hear her, and our problems remain. If NUP insists on bringing her back, then we shall have no choice but to vote for NRM,” said a trader in Owino Market.
Market women form one of the largest and most influential voting blocs in Kampala. They argue that their challenges high market dues, harassment by law enforcement, poor sanitation, and lack of affordable credit, women saccos' lacking capital have not been addressed. Many say they expected their Woman MP to be their advocate in Parliament, but her prolonged absence has left them “leaderless.”
“We want representation, not absenteeism. We can no longer wait as our children suffer and our businesses are squeezed. We are tired,” said a Nakawa market vendor.
Political Risks for NUP
Analysts say the frustration from Kampala’s markets could have wider political consequences for NUP, which swept the city in 2021 on a wave of support from ordinary people seeking change.
According to one political commentator, ignoring these concerns could cost the party dearly.
“Markets are the heart of Kampala’s economy, and women dominate this space. If they openly shift to NRM because of poor representation, it will send a strong message that NUP has failed on service delivery in the city.”
NRM Sees an Opening
Some NRM insiders have already hinted at interest in reclaiming the Kampala Woman MP seat, saying the party could ride on the growing frustration with the opposition. With President Museveni’s government pushing infrastructure and market redevelopment projects, ruling party figures may leverage this dissatisfaction as a campaign tool.
With the general elections just a months away, Kampala’s markets have become a political battleground. For many women traders, their demand is clear, visibility and advocacy.
“We don’t want excuses about sickness or politics. If NUP cannot give us a working MP, we will go with NRM. At least we will be able to see our representative,” said a disappointed NUP supporter in Kalerwe.
As NUP weighs its 2026 strategy, the message from Kampala’s markets is unmistakable, service delivery will determine loyalty, not party colors.
