Wealthy businessman and seasoned politician Mubarak Kirunda is celebrating a major breakthrough after the National Unity Platform (NUP) handed him the party flag to contest for Jinja City Mayor dropping the incumbent Alton Peter Kasolo.
Kirunda is no stranger to Jinja politics. He previously served three terms as LCII Chairman of Jinja Central Division under the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). However, his political journey took a twist in 2021 when FDC denied him a mayoral flag, instead handing it to the late Dr. Frank Nabwiso, who went on to contest for Jinja City mayorship. Kirunda, on the other hand, ran as an independent for Mayor Jinja South Division but lost miserably.
In 2023, Kirunda switched allegiance to NUP and quickly became a visible force within the party’s regional operations. He even offered his four-storey building in Jinja City to serve as a NUP regional office, a gesture widely interpreted as proof of his commitment and financial muscle. Although the party has since shifted its eastern regional headquarters to newly built premises in Iganga, Kirunda’s contribution remains a key highlight of his political profile.
Analysts view his endorsement as a strategic reward by NUP, recognizing both his resources and his organizational influence in Busoga sub-region politics.
Meanwhile, the decision has not sat well with Mayor Kasolo, who has now vowed to contest as an independent candidate in the 2026 elections. “I am not shaken by this decision. My works speak louder than Kyagulanyi’s party flag. The people of Jinja know my record and will entrust me with another term,” Kasolo declared defiantly.
With Kirunda carrying the NUP banner and Kasolo promising a strong independent comeback, the battle for Jinja’s top political seat is already shaping up to be one of the most heated contests of 2026.
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