Makindye West Residents Joyfully Welcome Zahara Luyirika After NUP Decision, Name her Mama City

Jubilation broke out in Makindye West on Tuesday as residents warmly welcomed the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) decision to front Zahara Luyirika as their parliamentary flagbearer in the 2026 general elections.

The announcement, which ended weeks of speculation over the party’s choice, has been greeted with visible excitement across the constituency.

Luyirika, who currently serves as Speaker of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Council, has been a familiar face in Makindye West’s political and social life.

While she had initially expressed interest in the Kampala Woman MP race against incumbent Shamim Malende, she redirected her focus back to her home constituency, where locals say her leadership is “deeply rooted and tested.”

A Joyous Reception

From Katwe to Najjanankumbi, supporters poured into trading centers, boda stages, and youth circles to express their happiness at NUP’s decision. Many residents said Luyirika represents a new chapter for Makindye West, citing her accessibility and track record in civic leadership.

“For the first time, we feel NUP has given us a leader who truly listens to the community,” said Sarah Nakato, a women’s group leader in Luwafu. “Zahara has always stood with ordinary people. We are ready to rally behind her.”

“We love Hon. Ssewanyana, but times have changed. Zahara is here on the ground with us she attends community meetings, she understands our problems, and she respects the youth,” added Paul Mugerwa, a boda-boda rider in Katwe.

Why NUP Chose Luyirika

Party insiders point to two main reasons behind the change, the legal challenges facing the outgoing MP Allan Ssewanyana, which have limited his ability to fully serve, and Luyirika’s strong grassroots appeal, particularly among women and young people.

Her leadership as KCCA Speaker has also raised her profile nationally, but it is her close connection to Makindye West residents that tipped the balance in her favor.

A Candidate of Hope

Analysts argue that Luyirika’s candidature signals NUP’s intent to consolidate its urban strongholds with leaders who combine visibility, community trust, and political capacity.

Local leaders believe she is well-positioned to tackle Makindye West’s biggest challenges, including poor infrastructure, drainage problems, youth unemployment, and limited social services.

“She has shown commitment to service delivery in the city council, and now we want her to do the same for Makindye West in Parliament,” said Hassan Ssemakula, a market vendor in Kibuye.

While her arrival has been met with joy, Luyirika still faces the delicate task of uniting supporters of Ssewanyana and ensuring NUP retains overwhelming support in Makindye West. Political observers say her ability to consolidate both old and new party structures will determine whether she can translate today’s excitement into victory in 2026.

For now, however, the mood in Makindye West is celebratory. As evening fell, drums, vuvuzelas, and chants of “Mama Zahara, mama city, our voice in Parliament!” echoed through several trading centers, marking the start of what many here believe is a new political journey.

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https://ecomediaug.com/maama-kampala-energizes-nateete-market-pledges-stronger-voice-for-city-women/