By KT Reporter
A bitter exchange marked by public counter-accusations is dominating the Masaka City mayoral race as the incumbent, Florence Namayanja, faces off with Nyendo–Mukungwe Division Chairperson Michael Mulindwa Nakumusana.
The two are locked in a sharp dispute stemming from allegations involving the suspicious giveaway of public land and the management of city assets. What began as a casual disagreement rooted in perceived attempts to undermine each other’s authority has escalated into a full-blown political confrontation after Nakumusana declared his intention to unseat Namayanja, accusing her of abuse of office and abetting questionable allocations of public property.
Namayanja is seeking re-election on the National Unity Platform (NUP) party ticket, while Nakumusana is running on the Democratic Front (DF) card. Their rivalry has increasingly overshadowed their campaign messages. The clashes have reignited public criticism over the contentious giveaway of public assets in the city, including open green spaces, road reserves, utility service lanes and pedestrian walkways.
Nakumusana accuses the incumbent of shielding the irregular takeover of public property, insisting she should not be allowed to continue in office. He argues that beyond the pieces of land lost in the previous term and the early days of Namayanja’s current tenure, Masaka City has continued to lose more prime assets under unclear circumstances and under her watch.
He cites the enclosure of a public greenbelt along Broadway Road in Kijjabwemi Ward, the takeover of part of Kkumbu Housing Estate, and the erection of kiosks and metallic containers in Mutuma–Musisi Gardens, among others — all of which he blames on Namayanja.
“The Mayor is hiding under the cover of political differences to aid these contentious allocations of public assets because apparently even the meetings through which we could raise resistance against the irregularities can no longer convene,” he argues. Nakumusana says the division leadership has raised their concerns with key stakeholders but has also chosen to address the matter through the political contest.
However, Namayanja dismisses Nakumusana as an inconsequential competitor. She challenges him to produce evidence linking her to any dubious giveaway of public property, insisting that the contentious allocations happened under her predecessors. Namayanja maintains confidence in retaining her seat despite the tight competition.
Besides Nakumusana, Namayanja is also facing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Fredrick Ddembe Luswata and independent candidate Godfrey Kayemba, who served two terms as Mayor of Masaka Municipal Council.
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