Kabatsi is positioning herself as the candidate of women empowerment, youth development, and agricultural transformation, promising to revive key sectors in Lwemiyaga, including farming and infrastructure.
Joy Kabatsi isn't just throwing her hat into the tense front line that Lwemiyaga Constituency has become ahead of the 2026 general elections but raring to go at the two bulls already locking horns - incumbent Theodore Ssekikubo and political upstart Brigadier-Genral Emmanuel Rwashande.
The battle lines is first between drawn with yellow markers in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.
The stakes are high, with each aspirant commanding a significant support base and leveraging different strategies to outmaneuver their rivals.
The battle for the NRM flag is expected to be one of the most closely watched political contests in Lwemiyaga constituency.
Ssekikubo - the Fighter
Theodore Ssekikubo As the sitting MP for Lwemiyaga, Theodore Ssekikubo is a seasoned politician known for his outspoken nature and long-standing defiance on key national issues.
Having represented Lwemiyaga in Parliament for multiple terms, Ssekikubo boasts a strong grassroots following and is widely seen as a fighter for the rights of the Ugandan nationals.
However, his frequent clashes with the NRM party leadership have created political uncertainties around his candidacy.
His critics argue that his confrontational approach has cost the constituency key government projects, while his supporters insist he has done nothing for his constituency close to 25 years in parliament however others say that he is a fearless leader who stands for the truth.
Gen Rwashande - the Military Strategist
Rwashande has decided to take the fight to Ssekikubo Bringing in a new dynamic to the race is Brig Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande, a high-ranking officer in the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).
His entry into the political arena signals a shift in strategy, as he banks on his military discipline, leadership experience, and security background to win the trust of the electorate.
Rwashande is presenting himself as the candidate of stability and development, promising to strengthen government programs in Lwemiyaga.
His supporters argue that his deep connections within the ruling party and security agencies will ensure Lwemiyaga gets its fair share of national resources.
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Kabatsi - the Legal Mind and Former Minister
A formidable contender in the race, Joy Kafula Kabatsi is a lawyer and former Minister of State for Transport and also a former head of legal department in state house who also served as a state minister for ranches.
She previously served as a key figure in President Yoweri Museveni's administration, making her a well-connected and influential player within the NRM.
Kabatsi is positioning herself as the candidate of women empowerment, youth development, and agricultural transformation, promising to revive key sectors in Lwemiyaga, including farming and infrastructure.
She has a strong support base among women and professionals, giving her a unique advantage in the race.
As the NRM primaries draw closer, the contest in Lwemiyaga is expected to intensify, with each candidate working tirelessly to consolidate support.
Political analysts predict a bruising battle as the three rivals engage in campaign mobilization, alliances, and strategic messaging to woo the NRM delegates and voters.
The party primaries will not only determine the NRM flag bearer but could also shape the future political landscape of Lwemiyaga.
With tensions rising and supporters growing more vocal, all eyes will be on how the party structures handle what is set to be one of the most competitive races in the region.
