Former journalist Zambali Mukasa’s chances of entering Parliament have received a significant boost following revelations that current Nansana Municipality MP, Nsereko Wakayima Musoke, is stepping back from the race due to mounting political pressure.
According to well-placed sources, Wakayima’s efforts to secure the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag for the upcoming elections faltered after he failed to gain the endorsement of party president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
In a recent closed-door meeting, Wakayima reportedly confided in Kyagulanyi about the heavy financial and legal burdens he has faced during his tenure. He admitted to struggling under the weight of massive bank loans, which hindered his ability to perform to the party’s expectations.
It is further reported that Wakayima’s standing within the party had already deteriorated. He had allegedly failed to consistently remit the monthly party contributions expected of NUP MPs and had not been regularly attending key events at the party’s headquarters in Kavule, including weekly press briefings and strategic meetings.
At one point, some of the party’s grassroots supporters, often referred to as “foot soldiers,” publicly confronted him, accusing him of betraying the struggle and dishonoring the memory of those who sacrificed for NUP’s rise to power.
During the meeting, Wakayima is said to have pleaded for a second chance to carry the party flag in Nansana. However, Bobi Wine stood firm and directed him to the NUP Electoral Management Committee (EMC), chaired by the highly respected and uncompromising Harriet Chemutai. The referral was interpreted by insiders as a clear indication that Wakayima’s time as a candidate may be over.
With the added burden of debt and no official party backing, contesting in the next election poses a major financial risk for Wakayima. Meanwhile, Zambali Mukasa, who has been quietly building support, is now viewed as a front-runner for the NUP ticket in Nansana Municipality.
