Uganda’s Masaka City Faces Key Test as New Leaders Take Office
Masaka, Uganda – Newly elected officials in Masaka City, Uganda, are stepping into their roles at a pivotal moment, tasked with delivering on promises of improved services and economic opportunity as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni begins his seventh term. The city, elevated to official status in 2023, is one of Uganda’s fastest-growing urban centers, now home to a population nearing one million.
The January 15, 2026 general elections, overseen by the Electoral Commission led by Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, saw a mix of victories for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and opposition candidates. Florence Namayanja was re-elected as Masaka City Mayor, while Justine Nameere secured her seat as Woman MP after a court-validated recount.
However, political alignment is only the first step. Residents are now focused on tangible improvements in their daily lives. Top concerns include frequent and disruptive power outages impacting small businesses – salons, bars, and other SMEs – and a growing scarcity of water, particularly in the Nyendo-Mukungwe and Kimanya-Kabonera divisions. Deteriorating wetlands and inadequate conservation efforts are exacerbating the water crisis, according to environmental experts. Poor road networks also continue to hinder mobility and economic activity.
The NRM secured a majority of council seats in Masaka, a success party leaders attribute to effective grassroots engagement. Rogers Bulegeya, Masaka City NRM Chairperson, is calling for unity and prioritizing service delivery over political divides, advocating for dialogue between stakeholders, business leaders, and the government to address long-standing issues.
Newly elected Kimanya-Kabonera Division Mayor Moses Mulinde faces immediate pressure to address concerns over taxation, land disputes, and demands for improved social services within his constituency.
Central government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga are seen as potential catalysts for economic empowerment. President Museveni has consistently promoted these initiatives as tools for grassroots development. While some youth groups involved in piggery, poultry, and coffee farming have already benefited from PDM funds in Masaka, questions remain regarding the long-term sustainability and accountability of these programs.
The success of these initiatives will depend on local leaders’ ability to move beyond simply distributing funds and ensure they translate into lasting economic transformation.
As leaders prepare for their swearing-in ceremonies, they inherit both public support and significant expectations. Residents are clear: they want to see results, not just promises. The next five years will determine whether Masaka City’s status as a growing urban center translates into genuine progress or a lost opportunity.