Asha Mafabi: A Voice for Peace and Progressive Leadership in Sironko District

As Uganda gears up for the 2026 general elections, a new wave of leaders is stepping forward with a vision for peaceful, transformative politics. Among them is Asha Mafabi, a passionate and articulate aspiring Member of Parliament for Sironko District, who officially picked her nomination forms from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission headquarters in Kyadondo this week. 

Her candidacy comes at a time when the ruling NRM party has launched its expression of interest process, inviting individuals from across Uganda to contest for parliamentary, district chairperson, and other local government positions under the party's ticket. The process, spearheaded by NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi, will run until June 15, with official nominations set for June 17.

Speaking shortly after collecting her forms, Asha Mafabi made a heartfelt appeal to the NRM Electoral Commission and fellow contenders: “We want peaceful, well-managed primaries this time.” Her remarks echo growing concerns among party supporters and citizens regarding the often violent and chaotic nature of previous internal elections.

“Violence during internal elections hurts not just candidates but also the party’s credibility,” Mafabi said, drawing on both personal experience and community feedback. Her statement struck a chord with many grassroots members who have long yearned for transparency, equity, and decorum in the party's electoral processes.

Asha Mafabi represents a rising generation of leaders who believe that service, inclusivity, and integrity must form the bedrock of political engagement. Her campaign, she says, will focus on:

Youth Empowerment: Investing in skills training, entrepreneurship programs, and accessible education to uplift the youth of Sironko District.

Women's Participation: Advocating for gender equality and supporting women’s economic and political involvement at all levels.

Agricultural Support: Boosting access to farming inputs, markets, and agro-financing for smallholder farmers.

Healthcare and Education: Strengthening public health services and schools, particularly in rural areas that are often overlooked.

Mafabi’s background in community mobilization and development work has earned her widespread respect in Sironko. Known for her hands-on leadership style, she has spearheaded local initiatives on sanitation, literacy, and women’s savings groups—efforts that have laid a solid foundation for her political journey.

To secure her place on the NRM ticket, Mafabi—like other parliamentary aspirants—paid a non-refundable nomination fee of UGX 3 million and undergo a vetting process by the party’s electoral body. But beyond these formalities, she believes the true test lies in building trust with voters and advocating for peaceful political engagement.

“I am not just contesting to win a seat,” she emphasized. “I am contesting to transform leadership, to be a servant of the people, and to inspire hope where there has been frustration.”

With the NRM Electoral Commission confirming that the expression of interest process has started smoothly and is progressing well, all eyes will be on how the party manages the primary elections, particularly in contested districts like Sironko where tensions often run high.

Asha Mafabi’s emergence on the political scene is more than a campaign—it is a statement of intent from a determined woman who believes in a better Uganda, grounded in peace, justice, and people-centered development. As she seeks the NRM flag ahead of the 2026 elections, her message is clear: “Politics must be a platform for unity, not division.”

Whether she secures the nomination or not, Asha Mafabi is undoubtedly a voice to watch, not just for Sironko but for Uganda’s next generation of female leaders.