KAMPALA- At just 28 years old, Kibirige Kassim, a native of Mutungo Zone 4 in Nakawa, has declared his intention to contest for Member of Parliament in Nakawa East Constituency Regardless of the unfair NUP card distribution
Kibirige, currently a student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management at Victoria University, says his move into politics is driven by a desire to serve his community. “I want to create jobs, improve healthcare, improve education, and uplift the welfare of Nakawa East residents,” he told Ugandan Observer.
He describes himself as a “true son of the soil” with an intimate knowledge of local challenges, pledging transparency, accountability, and service-oriented leadership. His vision, he says, is for “a prosperous, united, and developed Nakawa East where every resident has opportunities to thrive.”
Kibirige also reaffirmed his loyalty to NUP, stating that the party’s commitment to justice, equality, and good governance resonates strongly with him. “I am proud to stand with NUP because I believe in meaningful change and ensuring our government is accountable,” he noted.
But even as youthful aspirants like Kibirige position themselves to run, NUP has come under fire for what supporters describe as an unclear vetting and card distribution process in Kampala constituencies. In Nakawa East, allegations of favoritism, poor communication, and disorganization in the issuance of party membership cards have raised concerns among aspirants and grassroots members.
Some residents and party faithful argue that the lack of transparency risks alienating supporters at a time when NUP is expected to consolidate its dominance in Kampala. “People need clarity. The party must ensure fairness and accountability in the way candidates are vetted and cards distributed, otherwise the credibility of the process will be questioned,” a Nakawa East resident told this reporter.
Kibirige himself urged the party leadership to streamline internal processes. “The struggle for change requires fairness and consistency. I am confident that NUP can overcome these challenges if it stays true to its mission,” he emphasized.
As the 2026 general elections draw nearer, Nakawa East is shaping up to be a battleground where questions of internal party democracy could play a decisive role. For Kibirige Kassim, the road ahead depends not only on his grassroots appeal but also on whether NUP can address lingering concerns about its vetting and card distribution to guarantee a fair contest.
