Casual labourer's mayoral bid hits snag as paperwork trips up Mityana aspirants

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Sulaiman Ssempala, a long-time casual labourer in Mityana Municipality, has declared his bid for the mayoral seat, inspired by a desire to serve the community where he has spent much of his life working.

For years, Ssempala earned a living by selling water, which he ferried on his bicycle from Kiyudaya natural well to different parts of the municipality. He later ventured into vending polythene bags, supplying traders in retail shops across Mityana.

Ssempala believes his experience working closely with residents gives him an advantage.

Some of the political aspirants presenting their documents to the Electoral Commission officials at Ssaza in Mityana. (Photo by Luke Kagiri)

“My services have been directly touching the lives of the people in the municipality here, and now I want to return as their leader with a strong arm so that I can lead them to better lives,” Ssempala said.

This is the second time he is contesting for the position, which he considers crucial for both himself and his community.

Last week, Ssempala appeared at Ssaza for nomination with his papers but was told to return on Monday, September 8, as it was not yet the date designated for mayoral nominations.

“When I contacted the Electoral Commission, they did not tell me the right date, but I am ready to file my documents,” he told New Vision.

On Monday, riding his old bicycle, Ssempala was among the first to present his documents. However, his nomination was rejected because the National Identification Numbers (NIN) of his nominators were incorrect.

He was not alone. Many other aspirants were also turned away for submitting incomplete or poorly filled-out documents. Some presented unclear photographs that could not be processed.

“We have always explained to you what kind of photos and how you must take them, but you do not listen, and this will keep you wasting a lot of time,” said John Paul Ntaganira, one of the Electoral Commission officials.

The district returning officer, Charles Rebeho, at one point took a tough stance, chasing away candidates who arrived at the centre in convoys. He warned that anyone arriving with a convoy again would face action in line with Electoral Commission guidelines, which prohibit such displays.