Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) parliamentary candidates have vowed to transform Kasese District once they reclaim all six seats in the forthcoming elections. The candidates argue that most of the major developments currently visible in Kasese were lobbied for by former FDC legislators.
Kasese was long considered an FDC stronghold until 2021, when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) won three of the six parliamentary seats—Kasese Municipality, Busongora North, and Busongora South. FDC also previously held strong representation in lower local governments.
However, the party now says it is on track to replicate its 2016 sweep and reclaim all six seats, insisting that the current NRM legislators have failed to deliver. The FDC also aims to dominate lower local government positions. William Nzoghu said that during his tenure, he worked with former Kasese Municipality MP Robert Centenary to lobby for major infrastructure projects, including roads and the modern market.
He noted that FDC legislators strategically positioned themselves on key parliamentary committees to influence such developments. Nzoghu, who lost the Busongora North seat in 2021 to NRM’s Sowedi Kitanywa, said Kasese voters should recall how the six opposition legislators elevated the district’s profile nationally. He added that the party has now lined up a formidable team to reclaim the majority of seats.
Florence Kabugho, the incumbent Woman MP, said it is time for Kasese voters to once again trust FDC flag bearers at all levels for effective leadership. She noted that FDC members have always stood with communities in their struggles, adding that incumbents have met public expectations.
Robert Centenary, who is seeking to reclaim the Kasese Municipality MP seat he lost in 2021, said NRM legislators have failed their first test in parliament. He argued that although some of them campaigned on their closeness to the President, displaced communities have remained in camps since the 2020 floods. He added that with Kasese Municipality performing well under Mayor Chance Kahindo, it is important that the mayor is supported by an effective MP.
Geoffrey Thembo Bigogo, who lost the LCV seat in 2021 to NRM’s Eliphazi Muhindi, decried rampant corruption and bribery within the district. He pledged to work with the municipal leadership to establish a printing machine for internal school examinations and to organize a football tournament for the youth. Bigogo, who disputed the 2021 election results over alleged malpractice and security interference, said the new leadership has been tested and has largely failed to address issues affecting the people of Kasese.
Kasese Municipality Mayor Chance Kahindo praised the FDC for grooming leaders who are people-centered. During the official launch of Centenary’s campaigns in Kidoco Cell, Kasese Municipality, on Saturday evening, the FDC Chairperson in Kasese, Ronald Kabuku, said he is optimistic the party will regain its political dominance but urged voters to remain vigilant during the voting days.
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