By Jamirah Khassim
Political tensions are simmering in Namirembe-Bakuli as two prominent women--both popular local figures and members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP)--face off for the 2026 Kampala City Council seat.
Lydia Nakiito, better known as Mama Sam, a comedian-turned-politician, is set to challenge Ruth Nakayi, widely known in the area as Mulandila gwa NUP, sparking what some residents have dubbed a "political turf war."
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At the heart of the rivalry are allegations by Nakayi, who accuses Nakiito of deserting her current post as a councilor in Nansana and attempting to "hijack" the Namirembe-Bakuli race while still drawing a salary from her previous position.
"She left her people in Nansana and has now come to take over Namirembe-Bakuli. This is unacceptable," Nakayi told reporters.
"We, the people here, feel betrayed by politicians who abandon one area only to return elsewhere with unclear intentions. Let the people know--this isn't just about popularity, it's about commitment."
But Nakiito has pushed back, describing the accusations as politically motivated. She says her move from Nansana was due to personal hardship after the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) demolished her building.
"I didn't leave Nansana out of convenience. My home and business were destroyed. I relocated to Namirembe-Bakuli--my birthplace. This is where I belong," Nakiito said.
"I have come back to serve, not to fight. We need unity, not conflict, within the party."
She urged NUP supporters not to be distracted by internal competition.
"Everyone has a right to seek leadership under NUP. Whether or not I get the party card, I'll continue working for my community," she said.
Both women claim deep roots in the area and a strong connection to local issues.
"Many of our past councillors abandoned us after elections," Nakayi said during a recent campaign meeting.
"I have been with the people through thick and thin. I am not here to campaign with stunts--I am here with a plan."
Observers warn that the public feud could expose cracks in NUP's grassroots structures ahead of the 2026 general elections.
However, some local leaders believe the contest may boost political engagement at the community level.
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"This is democracy at work," said Moses Kiggundu, a Kampala-based political analyst. "But NUP must manage its primaries carefully. If not, such rivalries could lead to factionalism in key urban strongholds."
As both candidates campaign with growing intensity, residents of Namirembe-Bakuli will ultimately decide who best represents their vision for leadership--and whether popularity or ground-level commitment will carry the day.
