In 2016, Bukoli County House of Assembly member Solomon Silwanyi joined the August House following the killing of opposition leader Wafula Ogutu, his legislative The best way to stand out.
The last time was in 2021, 11 people came forward to end the flamboyant politician’s tenure as the Central Member of Parliament in Bukoli. That’s a record number for the region, but still lower than expected.
Prominent among the long list is former opposition leader and opposition strongman Philip Wafula Ogutu. Silvagni, who lost the 2016 polls, won a warm welcome from ruling party lawmakers in the 10th parliament.
In the crowded 2021 race, Silvagni received an impressive 24,244 votes, beating second-placed Ogutu’s 12,555 votes. Ali Mugoya Mukoova, (Independent) 5243, David Mulengani (Independent), 3,314, Ntambi Latif Arafat, (NUP) 3028, Karemire Mugagga Mukuve, (Independent) 1,680, Wandera Isima Onyango, Independent, 1,420, Okanga Charles, 586, Wabwire Charles , 482, Lord Abubakar 413, Bayedusa Samuel Bright,
But the rumors are credible and the 2026 Parliamentary Commissioner will face a more complex challenge as the Minister of General Services and the former NRM party secretary-general have reportedly joined the ranks to represent Bukoli Central in the 12th Parliament.
According to a recent article published on the Nile Post news website, the politician is considering giving electoral politics another try in response to public appeals from residents of Bugiri, Busia and Namayingo.
Although this particular article suggests that Lumumba has yet to decide where exactly she will stand if she ultimately decides, it is widely stated that she will be heading to the Silvagni seat in the Buccoli Center.
“I don’t care who comes against me. I have full confidence in the electorate and I have been dealing with them since they trusted me with my mandate. We have done a lot in the constituency and I have no doubt that they are happy that I did not let them down. Whoever comes , I’ll beat them all,” Silwany said recently when commenting on the challenges that await him in 2026.
The lawmaker is sure to go to the next polls with his head held high after making it to the prestigious list of the best debaters in the 2021 ranking and making it to the top 10 of the 529-member House of Representatives. In addition to his impressive performance in Parliament, he has ensured that his constituents are smiling in many ways.
While Lumumba is tight-lipped about her next steps, her mobilizers are busy like bees creating WhatsApp group structures to prepare for the months ahead.
In a WhatsApp group called “Justine Kasule Lumumba For Bukool Central 2026”, activists compiled a list of the Iron Lady’s achievements at the height of her power. They continue to share and remind voters that the good old days will soon return in the next election. These people owe much of the credit to the veteran politician for laying a strong foundation for the NRM party, on which the opposition in the region is based. These people also view Silvagni as ungrateful because he failed to realize the role Casulle played in sending her to parliament in 2016.
However, Kasule was criticized for trying to thwart Solomon, whom she claimed was her political brainchild.
“What kind of mother would be so desperate to destroy the child she gave birth to and raised? Assuming she is who Solomon claims she is, then why didn’t she let him become a mother? This is ridiculous!” the constituency’s A constituent responded to this publication’s field research.
In a brief interview with this publication, Mr. Gowa Medi, an aide to His Excellency Lumumba, refuted claims that his boss would focus on Bukoli Central. To him, the confusion was caused by selfish motives in pretending to promote her plan.
As far as I know, Congressman Lumumba is focused on her cabinet duties and she is not prepared to let anyone divert her attention.no matter what happens there[Mobilising for her] They are all the actions of selfish people. I should be calling on young people to find something productive to do instead of adding to the chaos of our leaders. If Justin’s mom has this planned for 2026, I should be one of the first to know, but I have no idea. ” Gowa asserted.
However, Gowa was quick to say that the ongoing wave of provocations might eventually tempt the former secretary-general into joining the fight. Speaking about her chances against the seemingly more down-to-earth Silvagni, Govar asserted that her woman was by far the most ideal candidate and that he would not hesitate to support her in any contest. Gowa confidently termed Lumumaba’s tenure as SG, which he said was very colorful and could attract any voter to support her.
As for the District Youth Chairman, Mr Gwebatuma Alshura, he downplayed the possibility of Congressman Lumumba disrupting Bukuli Sylwani North as Congressman Lumumba played a huge role in transforming the lives of his constituents. To sound even more exaggerated, Gwebatuma started saying that even if President Museveni came to take on Silvani himself, he would need a miracle to win.
“Not even Museveni can beat him[Silwany] In Central. He is a leader that you will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, and you can see it with your own eyes. Looking at the road network, he upgraded all hitherto impossible roads in the area, built health centres, schools, mosques and churches and maintained close contact with the common people. What kind of voters would turn against such a leader with sorcery? ” said Gwebatuma.
Gwebatuma challenged the minister to list her achievements, if she has any, despite holding important positions such as chief whip, secretary general and now general affairs minister over the years.
Former Bugiri East MP Mwesigwa Grace Obondo has refuted reports of massive animosity between Silvani and Lumumba, suggesting the animosity was artificial by the regional leadership Demagoguery, they believe they can profit from the camps in the form of political capital. He urged that while Lumumba had yet to formally express her ambitions for 2026, a standoff between the two would overwhelm the region.
Mwesigwa said the contest would be a 50/50 split, although Lumumba’s active involvement in establishing the constituency’s party structure would leave Silvani somewhat exposed.
However, Gwebatuma was quick to refute this claim, reminding us that the old guard loyal to the veteran former secretary-general is gradually withdrawing from politics, leaving her virtually incapable of facing younger challengers like the current secretary-general. No chance.
The development sparked a protracted debate among local observers, who feared that an encounter between the two men was bound to affect the standing of one of their two most valuable leaders. There is a popular belief that Mrs Lumumba is targeting Bukooli North, the constituency where she lives, and current President Stephen Baka Mugabi has reportedly indicated that he Won’t be back. NRM believers in the region have called on the former secretary-general to focus on Bugiri city and liberate it from the control of opposition Asuman Basalirwa, rather than fighting the already liberated territories.
The group further fears that the chaos is set to recreate the adverse environment of 2011, when former fisheries minister Fred Mukisa (Rip) and former district chairman Hajj Silaji A split between the two powerful party candidates in Lyavaala handed victory to the opposition Philip Wafula Ogutu.
On paper, if Justine Kasule Lumumba does end up challenging Silwany in Bukooli, she will attack her opponent in the strongest possible way. Silvagni accomplished something many voters could only dream of. He built roads, schools, churches and health centers, making him a favorite among the locals. His close relationship with Parliament Speaker Annette Anita Anit was equally formidable. Last year alone, the Bukdia Woman MP donated close to Sh100 million for the renovation and re-equipment of health centers in Bwanga, Bvuni and Busova. In March, she donated another Sh70 million for the construction of staff quarters at Naluwerere Bugiri Health Center IV. This generosity has made her a popular figure in the area and sources close to the matter reveal that her strong relationship with the sitting Bukoli Central MP is a mountain that will be difficult for any challenger to climb.
Whatever happens between now and 2026, one thing is clear: in the best interests of the constituencies and the governing party, it is necessary to coordinate both sides, lest divided constituencies further undermine years of progress in the form of cohesion.
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