Former Kampala Woman MP, Nabila Naggayi Ssempala, has officially been nominated to contest for the Kampala Lord Mayor seat in the 2026 General Election as an independent candidate.
Naggayi, who previously served two terms as Kampala Woman Member of Parliament under the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), was also the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer for the Lord Mayor race in 2021. In that contest, she lost to the incumbent, Erias Lukwago, who has held the office since 2011.
Speaking after her nomination, Naggayi emphasized her belief in people-centered leadership rather than party directives.
“I am a leader, I have the capacity and experience,” she said. “But political parties like FDC, where I was once a member, often dictate how leaders should serve their people. That is not my style, which is why I have chosen to stand as an independent.”
Her decision signals a shift from party-based politics to individual-driven leadership, something she says will give her the freedom to address Kampala’s pressing challenges without interference.
Naggayi first entered Parliament in 2006, representing Kampala as Woman MP under FDC. She quickly rose to become one of the most visible female politicians in Uganda, particularly known for championing women’s rights, governance issues, and service delivery in urban centers.
Her switch to NUP ahead of the 2021 elections was seen as a strategic move, but internal disagreements within the party and stiff competition from Lukwago ultimately cost her the mayoral race.
With her return to the political frontline, analysts say Naggayi’s candidature adds another layer of complexity to what is shaping up to be a competitive Lord Mayor race. While Lukwago is yet to announce whether he will seek another term, other potential aspirants are expected to emerge from both the ruling NRM and the opposition.
Political commentator Samuel Ssewagudde notes:
“Naggayi has name recognition and experience, but running as an independent means she won’t have the strong party machinery of NUP or FDC behind her. Her success will largely depend on grassroots mobilization and whether Kampala voters still trust her brand of leadership.”
As campaigns heat up, Kampala residents will be keen to see if Naggayi can translate her long political experience into a comeback at City Hall.
