By As the 2026 general elections approach, tension is brewing in Nakawa East over the parliamentary bid of Kibirige Kassim. Once seen as a minor political player, Kassim’s sudden rise as an aspirant MP has sparked outrage and disbelief among residents and local political observers, who describe his candidacy as both unserious and disconnected from the real needs of the community.
“He has nothing to show us. No history of service. No contribution to our struggles. Just a name and ambition,” said Sarah Nansubuga, a market vendor in Banda. “We cannot gamble with our future on a candidate like that.”
Many constituents accuse Kassim of lacking the practical experience, vision, and commitment needed to represent an area as diverse and challenged as Nakawa East. While some aspirants have been working at the grassroots level for years, engaging in community projects and advocacy, Kassim has been largely absent—only resurfacing during election season.
Inside the National Unity Platform (NUP), there is growing resistance to endorsing his bid. Party insiders say Kassim has failed to meet key standards of integrity, mobilization, and public trust required to carry the party flag.
“We’ve worked too hard building this party’s name,” said a local NUP mobilizer. “We can’t throw it away on someone who doesn’t even understand the issues in his own constituency.”
Public forums have revealed Kassim’s lack of preparedness. In recent debates, he reportedly struggled to present clear policies on healthcare, housing, and youth unemployment—key issues in Nakawa East.
Voters are now calling on NUP and the Electoral Commission to ensure that only capable, community-rooted candidates are allowed to contest. “We are tired of politicians who appear during campaigns and disappear after winning,” said Brian Lule, a boda boda rider in Ntinda. “Kibirige Kassim is not the leader we need.”
With the race intensifying, pressure is mounting on political parties to vet candidates thoroughly. For many in Nakawa East, one message is clear: leadership is earned through service, not self-promotion—and Kibirige Kassim has yet to prove he’s up to the task.
