The race for the Busiro East parliamentary seat in 2026 has taken a new turn, as youthful lawyer Andrew Kiryowa on Friday, June 28, officially launched door-to-door campaigns in the constituency.
The aspiring legislator, running under the National Resistance Movement (NRM), is aiming to unseat long-time Member of Parliament Hon. Medard Lubega Ssegona of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Kiryowa, who was accompanied by a group of affluent close associates and mobilizers, took his campaign to the grassroots, engaging residents directly at their homes and businesses.
He emphasized his commitment to what he called “visible and development-focused leadership” that places people’s needs before politics.
Addressing supporters during his community rounds, Kiryowa didn’t mince words:
“I have come to uproot NUP from Busiro East. The time for absentee leadership and political games is over. We are building ‘Egaali’ — a team of hardcore, fearless youth loyal to the NRM who cannot be intimidated by NUP hooligans.”
Though still vying for the NRM flag ahead of the main election in 2026, Kiryowa was nominated on Friday by Dr Tanga Odoi, the NRM electoral chairman after fulfilling electoral requirements.
A partner at Kololo-based Alto Advocates and a former Wakiso District Youth Chairman, Kiryowa is positioning himself as a new-generation leader with a strong legal background and deep community engagement.
His main rival, Hon. Medard Ssegona, has represented Busiro East for over a decade and is one of the most senior figures in the NUP. However, recent criticism suggests his presence in the constituency has declined, creating what Kiryowa believes is a ripe opportunity for change.
Kiryowa’s campaign is also receiving growing support from sympathizers of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a movement led by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which is resonating strongly with Uganda’s younger voters.
As his campaign slogan “Omwana Atumwa” — “The child has been sent” — continues to echo through the villages and trading centers of Busiro East, Kiryowa’s grassroots momentum is fast becoming a development to watch ahead of the 2026 general elections.