The Bukoto West parliamentary race under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is headed for a highly contested showdown following the official nomination of Lwengo District Chairperson Ibrahim Kitatta to compete in the party primaries.

Kitatta was on Monday formally nominated by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, at the party headquarters in Kampala.

Odoi congratulated him upon fulfilling the requirements to participate in the internal electoral process.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

Speaking shortly after his nomination, Kitatta said his decision to contest was driven by a desire to be actively involved in national decision-making and to address longstanding service delivery gaps in his constituency.

"In the 21st century, we are still sharing water sources with animals," he said.

"Our health centres and hospitals lack essential medicine. The roads are in a poor state--though some work is being done, they remain murram roads instead of tarmac. I believe I am the right person to push for real improvement."

Kitatta's entry sets the stage for a dramatic face-off with incumbent MP Muhamad Ssentayi, who defeated other contenders to secure the Bukoto West seat in the 2021 general elections.

Ssentayi has since picked up expression of interest forms to contest again but is yet to be formally nominated.

The rivalry between Kitatta and Ssentayi is well-known in Bukoto West.

Their public fallout came to a head recently when the two leaders clashed in the presence of Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda during her visit to the area.

The scuffle underscored the deepening tensions between the two camps as the primaries approach.

With nominations underway and both aspirants rallying supporters, the Bukoto West constituency is preparing for one of the most charged primary races in the region.