Over 10 nominated for postponed Masindi central division council election
This election was previously suspended following the death of candidate James Munaku, who also served as the LC1 chairperson of Kijura central cell.
Isaac Bongmin (right), who lost in the Masindi Municipality mayoral race after being nominated. (Photos By Yosam Gucwaki)
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The Electoral Commission has officially nominated 13 candidates for the position of directly elected district councillor for Central Division, Masindi Municipality, Masindi district.
This election was previously suspended following the death of candidate James Munaku, who also served as the LC1 chairperson of Kijura central cell.
Towards the end of last week, Masindi returning officer Gastervus Kakaire announced that the election for the directly elected district councillor for central division would now be conducted on February 17, 2026.
Fresh nominations for individuals intending to contest the position started on February 9, 2026, and concluded the next day.
Initially, the Electoral Commission had nominated nine candidates. However, following Munaku's death, the number of candidates was reduced to eight.
The remaining candidates were Kabagambe Hakim (Independent), Goodman Farouk (NRM), Bagire Muzamil (NUP), Benjamin Tumusiime (Independent), Agaba Patrick (Independent), Ntaro Byabasaija Noah (Independent), Bantu Ronald (Independent), and Maxwell Kyamanywa.
Moses Kiirya (right), the district speaker, after being nominated.
By the close of nominations at 5:00pm on Tuesday, five new candidates had been nominated, including Richard Alinaitwe, who lost in the recently concluded general elections for the position of directly elected Municipal Councillor representing Civic Ward; Alberto Baker Kitrnde, who lost the race for direct councillor representing Western Ward to Masindi Central Division; and Isaac Bongomin, who lost in the mayoral race.
Other newly nominated candidates are Innocent Bikorwomuhangi of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and Moses Kiirya, the current district Speaker, who also lost the Masindi district LC5 race.
Kiirya, the district speaker, asserts that he is the only one who can ably represent the people of Central Division, given his vast experience in local government governance.
Alinaitwe urged the electorates to vote for him, stating that during his previous service as a district councillor, he "did wonders" in the Municipality council.
Bongmin asked the people of the central division to vote for him and forget what happened in the mayoral race.
"You all know my capacity and the ability to serve you. I am the only potential candidate among all these. Forget what happened in the mayoral race and vote for someone who will deliver," he told the New Vision Online.
The influx of candidates who lost in other elections into this race has left electorates in Masindi municipality questioning the widespread interest in the Central Division councillor position.
Many are suggesting that these individuals are seeking relevance rather than genuinely serving the people. Some attribute this trend to greediness, believing that these candidates are unwilling to allow others the opportunity to serve.
"My prayer to the electorate is to choose someone who will ably represent them in the district council and influence development," said Juma Alinda from Kirasa cell.