TOP STORY – SIRONKO
Historic 21‑Candidate Race Ushers in Fierce Contest in Budadiri West
SIRONKO — As the 2026 general elections draw near, the Budadiri West constituency in Sironko District has set a new record: 21 candidates vying for the MP seat, making this the most crowded contest in Sironko’s political history—and one of the largest in Bugisu and possibly Uganda. Most hopefuls are mounting independent campaigns after rejecting the recent FDC primaries .
FDC Primaries Shake-Up
The internal Forum for Democratic Change primaries awarded the FDC flag to Reverend Jackson Magombe, sidelining long-time MP Nathan Nandala Mafabi, now nominating for the FDC presidential ticket. The primary outcome left many contesting aspirants disillusioned, prompting them to declare as independents v.
Diverse Field of 21 Candidates
The field includes:
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Magombe Jackson (Rev.) (FDC)
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Masanga Isaac Kidasa (NRM)
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Mudathir Jaffar (NUP)
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Mudebo Polycap (DP)
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Waigonda Meri Enos and Makwasi Sharif (PFF)
And 15 independent contenders, notably: -
Mangali Charles N.
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Wanyoto Godfrey
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Kabala Richard
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Bulafu Douglas
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Wanyenze Tabitha
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Mashate Francis Wanduyi
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Bossa Nasser
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Mashate Peter Magomu
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Mugembe Amos
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Wanyonyi Michael Simiyu
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Kisolo Jackson
-
Mafabi Alex
-
Keya Issa
-
Nakisali Christopher
-
Wakou Mabberi .
Confidence Amid Chaos
Several independent candidates interviewed expressed strong conviction in their electoral chances, signaling further fragmentation of traditional party loyalties.
Political Context & Stakes
Previously, FDC’s Nathan Nandala Mafabi held the seat for over two decades, consistently fending off challengers including powerful NRM figures. In 2021, he retained the seat with 28,986 votes, firmly beating the NRM challenger Kosea Wambaka and several independents .
The proliferation of independent bids also reflects broader dissatisfaction with party processes. FDC primaries in Sironko have repeatedly triggered disputes, fueling a wave of aspirants breaking ranks to pursue their political ambitions independently .
At a Glance: Budadiri West Parliamentary Race
| Key Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Record Number of Candidates | 21 hopefuls—historic high for Sironko & Bugisu |
| Election Alignment | Only Rev. Magombe carries FDC banner; others include NRM, NUP, DP, PFF, and 15 Independents |
| Former Long‑Serving MP | Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC) now running for presidential nomination |
| Political Resentment | Many independents contest in protest of alleged flaws in party primaries |
| Historical Vote Base | Mafabi won last in 2021 with strong margin over NRM and independent challengers |
Why This Race Matters
This contest symbolizes a broader democratic shift: growing disillusionment with party primaries and rising independent activism may signal a political realignment—not just in Sironko, but across emerging constituencies in Uganda. Watchers expect a fiercely competitive race that could redefine local representation in the eastern region.
