By Our Political Correspondent
The question increasingly being asked in Mbale City is simple: Why has Mayor Joyce Kidulu become a target of persistent criticism barely 100 days into her leadership?
For a woman who broke decades of political barriers to become the first female Lord Mayor of Mbale City, one would expect her historic victory to be celebrated. Instead, her leadership has been accompanied by political contestation, intense criticism and growing public debate.
But is all this criticism genuinely about the performance of her office, or could some of it be rooted in the political interests threatened by her emergence?
A woman who refused to give up
Joyce Kidulu’s political journey is one of resilience, determination and perseverance.
A professional teacher, Kidulu spent approximately ten years in primary education before serving for over 15 years as a Project Director with Compassion International.
Between 2015 and 2026, she served as Country Director of Wise Choices for Life Uganda, an organisation involved in reproductive health, teenage pregnancy prevention and poverty-related interventions, particularly in Eastern Uganda.
Her commitment to Christian service also saw her rise to the position of Vice President of the Mothers’ Union in Mbale Diocese.
Academically, she holds qualifications in Primary Education, including a Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor’s degree, as well as a Master of Arts in Organisational Leadership and Management from Uganda Christian University.
Her professional and community leadership experience laid the foundation for her entry into elective politics.
In 2021, she contested for Mayor of Industrial Division in Mbale City but lost to Mahmoud Masaba, who is now the Member of Parliament for Bungokho Central.
Rather than abandon her political ambitions, Kidulu returned to the political arena with renewed determination.
This time, she faced nine male contestants, including the incumbent Mayor, Cassimu Namugali, and emerged victorious.
A historic victory that changed Mbale’s political landscape
On January 23, 2026, Kidulu was elected Lord Mayor of Mbale City as an independent candidate, polling 10,920 votes against NRM’s Vincent Magombe, who obtained 10,682 votes.
The 238-vote difference made the contest particularly competitive.
Her victory made history, placing her among the very few women to have occupied the city’s top political office and making her the first female Lord Mayor of Mbale City.
For many women and young people, her election represented more than an electoral victory. It demonstrated that political leadership is not the preserve of men and that determination, professional experience and public confidence can overcome established political barriers.
Why has her leadership become controversial?
At the centre of the growing political tension is the question of how Kidulu has chosen to exercise her authority.
Her supporters argue that she is a straightforward leader who is unwilling to compromise on transparency, accountability and the proper management of public resources.
They point to her reported insistence that municipal tenders and contracts should be handled fairly, competitively and transparently rather than being treated as opportunities reserved for politically connected individuals.
If properly implemented, such an approach would challenge established interests and demand a different standard of accountability in city administration.
There are also allegations among her supporters that some individuals uncomfortable with her leadership have resorted to personal attacks, negative publicity and the use of online platforms to undermine her reputation.
These claims deserve scrutiny and should be supported by verifiable evidence. Nevertheless, they raise an important question: Can a newly elected leader be allowed sufficient space to discharge her responsibilities without every administrative decision becoming a political battle?
Is a woman paying the price for breaking political barriers?
Kidulu’s emergence has also reopened the conversation about women’s participation in political leadership.
Uganda has made considerable progress in promoting women’s leadership, yet women in public office can still face additional scrutiny, personal attacks and attempts to question their legitimacy.
It would be premature to conclude that every criticism directed at Kidulu is motivated by gender. Equally, it would be wrong to dismiss the possibility that gender prejudice could influence some of the hostility she faces.
Her supporters believe that her political opponents should challenge her through constructive debate, institutional accountability and democratic processes rather than personal attacks or unsubstantiated allegations.
The electoral petition: Let the courts decide
Following the January 2026 election, Vincent Magombe challenged the outcome through an electoral petition.
The matter has been before the courts, and the public is awaiting the final determination.
This is an important moment for Mbale City. Both the petitioner and the elected Mayor are entitled to due process, and the independence of the judiciary must be respected.
No political camp should attempt to substitute public pressure, media campaigns or online commentary for the judicial process.
Until the court delivers its decision, Kidulu remains the elected Mayor, subject to the applicable law and the final determination of the petition.
Mbale City deserves leadership, not endless political warfare
Ultimately, the people of Mbale City are interested in service delivery, improved infrastructure, accountability, economic opportunities and effective management of their city.
The Mayor’s first 100 days should therefore be assessed through measurable achievements, administrative decisions and the experiences of ordinary residents.
Kidulu’s supporters describe her as a leader bringing renewed attention to the city and demanding greater discipline in public administration. Those claims should be tested against visible projects, service delivery records and independently verifiable results.
Her opponents equally have a democratic right to question her performance, but criticism should be factual, responsible and constructive.
The bigger question is not whether Joyce Kidulu has political enemies. Every elected leader encounters opposition. The real question is whether Mbale City will allow its leadership to focus on delivering services, or whether political rivalries will continue to overshadow the interests of the people.
A woman who overcame nine male contestants to make history deserves to be judged on her performance, not on her gender, political independence or the discomfort her leadership may cause to established political interests.
Mbale City needs progress, accountability and unity. Its people deserve nothing less.
