Besigye still reigns in Kasese – Winnie Kiiza

As Uganda edges closer to the 2026 general elections, the political winds blowing through Kasese district suggest a landscape filled with uncertainty, ideological shifts, and the lingering power of opposition forces.

The terrain is not just physical—it’s historical, emotional, and fiercely contested. With defections between parties and unclear alignments, determining which political outfit will dominate this vast and complex district has become more of a puzzle than a prediction.

But for Winnie Kiiza, a seasoned political voice and former leader of opposition in parliament, one thing remains clear: “The dominance of the opposition in Kasese is still alive.”

A LEGACY OF RESISTANCE AND POLITICAL IDENTITY

Kasese has long stood apart from Uganda’s broader political trends. It’s a district known for bold electoral decisions, where parliamentary outcomes rarely mirror local council choices.

This distinctiveness is not accidental—it is rooted in history and a long-standing spirit of resistance. Since 2001, Dr Kizza Besigye has been the district’s political darling, winning consistent support until he stepped away from the presidential race in 2021.

Even then, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) secured 45 percent of the vote in the district—strong opposition support given the restricted campaign environment brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. President Museveni garnered a narrow edge with 48%.

So, why does Kasese consistently lean on the opposition, even when the local government structure—like the district council—has long been dominated by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)?

“Our people were forcefully evacuated from around the airfield, and up to now, they have never been compensated. That’s an issue, and our people are quiet. The money to construct the airport has been in the national budget several times since 2008. This issue is not forgotten by our people,” she told The Observer.

She points to unfulfilled government promises—from the stalled Kilembe Mines renovation, the neglected salt factory in Katwe, the crumbling Nyakatonzi Cooperative Union, and the abandoned irrigation scheme—as collective grievances that continue to fuel opposition loyalty.

Kasese, located in Uganda’s western corridor and bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a strategic and diverse region. It boasts 27 sub-counties, 14 town councils, and five parliamentary constituencies, supported by six members of parliament.

Yet, despite its complex political makeup and large electorate—384,058 registered voters—there remains a growing feeling of neglect.

“Our people in Kasese are farmers, but at all times, the agricultural products are at a very low cost. What could be motivating our people to vote for the ruling government even when they are seeing this? They have eyes,” Kiiza says with conviction.

Coffee, maize, rice and beans are Kasese’s agricultural backbone, yet prices remain painfully low, reinforcing the perception that the central government isn’t doing enough to support the area.

While the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) remains the dominant opposition brand in Kasese—thanks largely to its historical ties with Besigye—there’s unease over the party’s local activity.

“FDC still has potential candidates to overturn the seating of NRM MPs, mostly in Busongora North and South, and at the LC5 level. But they’ve done little to build local structures,” a source close to grassroots mobilization revealed.

Meanwhile, the National Unity Platform (NUP)—despite being the official opposition party at the national level—has made minimal impact in the area.

“Its support in Kasese is characterised by young street kids,” one source noted dismissively, hinting at NUP’s limited institutional presence on the ground.

Then there’s Kiiza’s current party—the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT)—which she champions not only as a political force but a platform of values and community-rooted leadership.

Some analysts have long argued that politics in Kasese is tethered to the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu kingdom, suggesting candidates rise or fall based on royal influence. But Kiiza pushes back.

“Majority of our people love the king, though there are some that do not. However, the kingdom is also a beneficiary of what the government can do… This becomes a uniting option for citizens to vote for someone who stands on the values of the kingdom.”

Her message is clear—respect for cultural institutions matters, but voters in Kasese are driven more by tangible service and credible representation than tribal affiliations.

WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF?

With campaigns gearing up and alliances being tested, all eyes are on whether Kasese will once again tilt toward the opposition. Kiiza is confident: “During our time, the people of Kasese chose us freely, and indeed, we worked for them. We showed them what representation looks like. We held the government accountable.”

Her final appeal is a powerful one: “If the people of Kasese are given a free and fair election in 2026, they shall only vote for candidates who will carry their voices and represent them well.”

That’s the challenge—and the promise— as Kasese heads toward another pivotal election.

AT A GLANCE: KASESE DISTRICT POLITICAL PROFILE

• Total Voters: 384,058
• Parliamentary Constituencies: 5

Dominant Parties

Historically: FDC (Opposition), NRM (Local Council Majority)

Key Political Players: Winnie Kiiza (ANT), Dr Kizza Besigye (FDC legacy), Robert Kyagulanyi (NUP)

Top Issues: Incomplete infrastructure projects, agricultural pricing, unfulfilled compensation, and youth representation

The question in 2026 won’t just be who runs—but who still speaks for the soul of Kasese.