DP's Richard Lumu Faces Stiff Competition in 2026 Mityana South Race

With the 2026 general elections drawing closer, political tensions are reaching new highs in Mityana South Constituency as multiple candidates declare their intentions to unseat Democratic Party (DP) incumbent, Richard Lumu.

The political battleground is heating up as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) vows to reclaim the seat, while the National Unity Platform (NUP) is also rallying strongly, positioning itself as the change the constituency needs.

Mityana South, a largely rural constituency made up of four sub-counties Ssekanyonyi, Namungo, Busunju Town Council, and Ssekanyonyi Town Council has become a hotbed of early campaigning, with visible signs of competition already in full swing.

Campaign posters, public meetings, and subtle political jabs are shaping the narrative long before nominations officially open.

At the heart of this contest is Richard Lumu, a seasoned DP politician and one of the party’s few remaining MPs in Parliament.

Since securing the seat in 2021, Lumu has positioned himself as a grassroots leader, but fresh challenges from NRM and NUP are threatening to shake the ground beneath him.

“I’m not worried,” Lumu told Nile Post “My people know what I’ve done. No amount of propaganda or new faces will erase my record.”

But NRM’s Henry Kamya Makumbi, who finished second in the previous election, is not backing down. He believes the time for change has come.

“We’ve been patient, but now Mityana South deserves leadership aligned with national development goals,” Makumbi noted. “We lost narrowly last time this time we are better organized, and our message is resonating.”

Joining the fray are four NUP aspirants, each hoping to capitalize on the party’s growing popularity. The list includes Kintu Fredie Grace, Katende Kezekia, Muhumuza Dennis, and Ntensibe Martin.

While their individual platforms differ, they all emphasize a need for fresh leadership that prioritizes youth empowerment, agriculture, and infrastructure.

“I am ready to offer a voice to the voiceless,” said Muhumuza. “I am not here to make noise instrad I am here to win and transform lives in Mityana South”

In 2021, the contest drew four candidates. Lumu claimed victory with 9,252 votes, followed by Makumbi with 6,032 votes. Independent candidate Kazungu Apollo garnered 3,377 votes, while NUP’s Buyondo Sulaiman lagged behind with 610 votes.

Despite the defeat in 2021, NUP is determined to rebound. Party insiders believe fielding multiple aspirants during the early stages will help them identify the strongest candidate through grassroots support.

As campaigns pick up speed, key issues dominating the political conversation include poor roads, limited access to agricultural markets, unemployment, and insufficient health services.

Given that Mityana South is primarily made up of farming communities, residents say they are looking for a candidate who understands rural development.

“The promises must go beyond words,” said Grace Namukasa, a vendor in Ssekanyonyi. “We want to see someone who will fight for our roads, our hospitals, and our children’s education.”

With multiple parties eyeing the same prize, and political strategies unfolding, Mityana South is emerging as one of the most closely watched constituencies in the greater Singo region.

The road to 2026 promises not only fierce competition but also a renewed focus on the real issues affecting ordinary citizens.

As one resident put it: “The slogans are many, but what we want is action.”