Muhamood Mutenyo Masaba Declares Intent to Contest Bungokho Central County MP Seat in 2026 General Elections

The political atmosphere in Mbale District is beginning to heat up as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party opens the gates for the 2026 general elections. Among the first aspirants to publicly declare his intention to contest is seasoned political figure Muhamood Mutenyo Masaba, who has announced his bid for the Bungokho Central County parliamentary seat.

Masaba, the former NRM Chairperson for Mbale District, officially expressed his interest in standing as Member of Parliament for the constituency, promising to bring experience, tested leadership, and a firm commitment to lobbying for improved service delivery in the area.

Speaking shortly after picking up his expression of interest forms from the NRM offices, Masaba reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and his readiness to serve.

“I am tried and tested. I have served this party and the people of Mbale with dedication. I understand the issues our people face, and I will use every opportunity to lobby for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth employment for Bungokho Central,” Masaba stated.

Masaba’s declaration comes at a time when the NRM Secretariat has officially launched the expression of interest phase for members intending to contest various positions in the 2026 general elections. The phase invites party members across Uganda to pick nomination forms for parliamentary seats, district chairpersonships, and other key local government offices.

Party spokespersons described the process as smooth and well-received by the grassroots, with high turnout reported in various regions as aspirants began picking their forms.

“We are encouraged by the enthusiasm and commitment being shown by our members. This is the beginning of a democratic process within the NRM, where our structures will help identify the best candidates to carry the party flag into the general elections,” said a party official.

Despite the excitement surrounding the start of the election process, several voices within the party and civil society have urged the NRM leadership to ensure that internal party elections are conducted with transparency, fairness, and discipline.

There have been past concerns over irregularities, favoritism, and disputes during party primaries, especially in hotly contested constituencies. Stakeholders are now calling for calm and for the party’s electoral commission to put in place mechanisms that promote confidence in the internal selection process.

“For the NRM to present strong candidates in the general elections, it must first demonstrate fairness in how it handles the primaries. We want to see discipline, respect for the rules, and above all, the will of the people reflected in the results,” said a political analyst in Mbale.

Muhamood Masaba is no stranger to the political landscape of Mbale. As a former NRM District Chairperson, he played a key role in mobilizing support for the party at both grassroots and national levels. His leadership tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen party structures and promote development initiatives in the district.

His decision to return to active electoral politics is seen by many as a boost for the NRM in Bungokho Central, where he remains a respected figure with strong connections among community leaders and youth groups. Masaba’s entry into the race sets the stage for what could become a high-stakes contest in Bungokho Central, with several other aspirants expected to declare their intentions in the coming weeks.

The expression of interest phase is just the beginning of a longer process that will culminate in the selection of official party flag bearers. After picking nomination forms, aspirants will go through a vetting process, followed by party primaries expected to be held in 2025.

As the race takes shape, the people of Bungokho Central County will be watching closely, seeking leaders who not only represent their interests in Parliament but also remain present and responsive to the community’s needs.

With figures like Muhamood Masaba stepping forward, the journey toward 2026 is already promising to be one of the most competitive and engaging in recent political memory.