Bulambuli, Uganda – Bulambuli District has two constituencies created from the old county, with the new ones being Elgon and Elgon North.
The district is largely made up of a migrant population, with a mixture of settlers from Kenya, Bududa, Teso, Sebei, and Bamasaba, among others, making it quite cosmopolitan in nature.
Hon. Emmanuel Biara Wepukhulu, a timber exporter, is the leading parliamentary candidate, determined to unseat the incumbent MP for Bulambuli County, Hon. Katenya, in 2026.
Who is Emmanuel Wepukhulu?
Hon. Wepukhulu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Makerere University and a Master’s in the same field. While at university, he was heavily involved in student politics, particularly with the Bamasaba Students Association (MUMBASA), which exposed him to government workings and key political figures.
Hon. Wepukhulu intends to build on his various networks within the church and youth groups, through which he has sponsored various sports activities in the district.
Mr. Wepukhulu explains that his decision to contest for Bulambuli County is motivated by a desire to fill the void left by the incumbent MP, who he believes is detached from the people he is supposed to represent. “I promise to provide qualitative and effective representation, which is currently lacking in Bulambuli. Our voice as the people of Bulambuli County is not even felt beyond our district.
This void has caused sleepless nights for my people, and they have called on me to step in and fill it,” he said.
Political Analyst’s Insight
Steven Masiga, a seasoned political analyst and Senior National Researcher on politics at Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA), notes that winning a parliamentary election, especially for males, is dictated by several factors, primarily one’s resources, accessibility to the electorate, and the presence of an empathetic candidate. “I encourage those wanting to enter Parliament to be emotionally invested and compassionate,” Masiga said. “Candidates should not behave like robots; robots lack empathy.
Attending burials in person, for instance, may carry more political dividends than just sending agents with a 30,000 shilling contribution.”
Masiga further advises that candidates in rural areas like Bulambuli must understand the language of the Mwanainchi (common people) and engage with them genuinely, offering a solid political handshake. Bulambuli, unlike other districts in Bugisu, has fewer voters, but it is easier to win an election if one has mobilized effectively. The district also has a history of early voting—by 7 a.m. in some centers—which candidates should consider when planning their campaigns.
Hon. Wepukhulu’s Political Vision
Hon. Wepukhulu Biara plans to contest on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party ticket. Besides being closely connected to the people of Bulambuli County, he is also well-trusted by the NRM as a solid cadre. His supporters in Bulambuli refer to him as their “Likono” (voice) in Parliament for 2026.
Hon. Emmanuel Biara Wepukhulu stands for patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and, above all, as a socio-economic transformative leader. He is not only close to his people in Bulambuli but also has political heavyweights such as President Museveni, the current Speaker of the Kenyan Parliament, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetangula, and former Ugandan Vice President Prof. Bukenya as his political mentors.
Prof. Bukenya has promised to support the people of Bulambuli County through initiatives like Highland Rice schemes, providing free seeds, and offering technical agricultural skills aimed at lifting the community out of poverty.
Mr. Wepukhulu Biara has also mobilized resources to ensure that the people of Bulambuli benefit from all government programs in the district.
