Ahead of the general elections in 2026, renowned musician Joseph Mayanja, better known by his stage name Jose Chameleon, joined other National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates for nomination.
Chameleone told reporters as he led a procession of NRM flag bearers for local government posts in Rubaga Division that it was time for young people from underrepresented groups to take the lead and lead by example.
“Young people need to step up and show that they are capable of taking charge. We should get involved now and make a significant contribution to leadership,” Chameleone stated.
Ivan Kamuntu Majambere, the NRM Chairperson for Rubaga Division, reaffirmed his call, promising that the ruling party is dedicated to assisting young leaders, particularly those from the ghetto, due to their capacity to spur change.
The administration of President Yoweri Museveni has consistently provided start-up capital and other forms of assistance to young people. Majambere declared that even those pursuing careers in politics would not be left behind.
“NRM will be leading the nation’s efforts to empower ghetto youth in the upcoming term.”
The National Unity Platform (NUP), the opposition party, is counting on support from both its current members and fresh candidates.
Among them is Zacky Mbeeraze Mawula, the incumbent mayor of Rubaga, who is running for reelection on the NUP ticket.
Mawula urged voters to give him more time to build on his accomplishments, claiming that he has already taken care of a number of the division’s urgent problems.
“Since I was elected, I have worked to improve garbage collection, drainage systems, and provide start-up capital to young people so they can grow up to be responsible citizens,” Mawula stated. He pledged to keep putting the needs of the community first and chastised previous leaders for ignoring voters.
New leadership is another promise made by other NUP candidates. As a candidate for the Kasubi D councillorship seat, Ibrah Semanda promised to bring about significant change that reflects the wishes of the populace.
“We are dedicated to transforming our communities as change agents because we understand what our people need,” Semanda stated. “NUP is prepared to supply the young, driven, and focused leaders that Uganda needs today.”
As a result, the Rubaga race has turned into a contest of ideas, with opposition candidates demanding change, incumbents urging continuity, and cultural leaders like Chameleone urging ghetto youth to take advantage of the political opportunity.
