Mayor Paul Mugambe Declares Independent Bid for Nakawa Division Mayoral Seat in 2026 Elections
Mugambe made the declaration today at his home in Mutungo Zone 2, where thousands of his supporters gathered to show solidarity. He revealed that he will formally present himself for nomination at the Uganda Electoral Commission on 8th September 2025, after which he will unveil the campaign symbol he intends to use as an independent candidate.
Nakawa Division Mayor, Paul Mugambe, has announced his decision to contest once again for the office of Mayor Nakawa Division in Kampala as an independent candidate in the 2026–2031 term.
Mugambe made the declaration today at his home in Mutungo Zone 2, where thousands of his supporters gathered to show solidarity. He revealed that he will formally present himself for nomination at the Uganda Electoral Commission on 8th September 2025, after which he will unveil the campaign symbol he intends to use as an independent candidate.
Speaking at the event, Mugambe emphasized that his decision was driven by the will of his constituents.
“The power of my voters has made me return to contest as Mayor Nakawa Division. I expressed interest in retaining the National Unity Platform (NUP) party ticket for Mayor, but getting the ticket is not a matter of life or death for me. I won’t fight over it. The card was given out, and for me, that chapter is closed,” Mugambe stated.
His remarks follow the endorsement of musician Ali Buken, popularly known as Nubian Li, by the National Unity Platform (NUP) as their flagbearer for the Nakawa mayoral seat. Nubian Li, a long-time comrade of NUP party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), has already attracted significant attention as a first-time contender in the political race.
Despite the endorsement, Mugambe made it clear that he will not step aside for Nubian Li, noting that the overwhelming support from his constituents compels him to continue the race.
The gathering that witnessed Mugambe’s pronouncement included leaders from the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party, members of NUP, and various independent candidates contesting for different positions within Nakawa Division.
Mugambe’s declaration sets the stage for a highly contested mayoral race in Nakawa Division. The constituency, known for its vibrant youth population and political diversity, will now see a showdown between Mugambe’s grassroots-driven independent bid and Nubian Li’s NUP-backed campaign.https://youtu.be/FzGtbA4OqmQ?si=uXGrMlDxj9kWk-Pf
As Mugambe prepares to present his nomination papers on September 8, all eyes will be on which independent campaign symbol he chooses and how his decision will shape the broader political dynamics of Kampala’s urban politics ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
