NUP and NRM Brace for Tight Race for Kampala City Hall Speaker Positions

Kampala is set for a competitive election for its City Hall Speaker and Deputy Speaker as the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) prepare to face off.

The race for the Speaker position will see NUP’s John Mary Ssebuwuufu, a former KCCA executive secretary and Nakawa 1 Councillor, compete against NRM’s Ali Kalule. Ssebuwuufu secured his party’s nomination after an internal primary, emphasizing his experience in strategic planning and a commitment to inclusive development.

Kalule, supported by the NRM KCCA Lord Councillors’ Caucus, aims to foster unity and improve service delivery within the council. He has pledged to focus on stability and constructive engagement in his first 100 days, addressing past disunity between technocrats and the executive.

For the Deputy Speaker role, NUP has nominated Olive Namazzi, who won her party’s primary. The NRM’s candidate is Dr. Nicholas Kwarija. Namazzi has highlighted priorities such as amending the City Trade Order, promoting social justice, and enhancing solid waste management, advocating for more urban spaces for the informal sector.

Despite NUP holding a slight numerical advantage with 19 votes (including the Lord Mayor) against NRM’s 13 plus three independents leaning towards the ruling party, the contest is expected to be close. Past elections, like the 2021 Rubaga Division Speaker race where NUP lost despite a majority, indicate that outcomes can be unpredictable.

These elections follow the swearing-in of 34 Lord Councillors and Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, who inherits a multitude of challenges including flooding, trade order enforcement, water management, and inadequate road infrastructure.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nup-nrm-set-for-tight-contest-for-kampala-city-hall-speaker-5467032