Mityana LC5 Chairperson Patrick Nshimye says Will not Seek Re-election in 2026

With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, Mityana District chairperson Patrick Mugisha Nshimye has announced he will not seek re-election.

Nshimye, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) is currently serving his fifth year in office.

His decision to pursue a parliamentary seat instead has opened the political floodgates, drawing in fresh contenders eager to fill the vacuum he leaves behind.

"Leadership is not about holding on forever. It’s about paving the way for others while continuing to serve the people in new capacities," Nshimye told Nilepost , confirming his shift in political direction.

His withdrawal has triggered a flurry of activity among potential successors, all aiming to position themselves as the rightful heir to the district’s top office. The seat, traditionally not heavily contested, is now attracting notable interest, turning local politics into a high-stakes contest.

So far, three candidates have formally expressed interest.

Two are from NUP including Gerald Mukwaya Kabanda and the current deputy chairperson, Annie Miriam Nassali Lugendo.

The third contender is Joseph Luzige Kamya of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who lost to Nshimye in the 2021 elections.

Nassali, who has served alongside Nshimye during his tenure, says she is best placed to ensure continuity and completion of the district’s development agenda.

"I have walked this journey closely with the outgoing chairperson. I understand the vision, the challenges, and the unfinished work. I’m ready to take the baton and carry it forward," Nassali noted.

Her rivals, however, have cast doubt on her claims. Kabanda, her NUP counterpart, argues that the district needs a fresh and independent leader with innovative solutions not a shadow of the outgoing administration.

"Experience is important, yes, but what we need now is transformation new energy, new ideas. The people of Mityana deserve more than recycled promises," Kabanda stated.

Luzige, meanwhile, is attempting a political comeback, hoping to regain the seat he lost in 2021. He maintains that the electorate now sees the difference and is ready to correct the course.

"The people made a choice in 2021, and they’ve had five years to evaluate it. I believe they’re ready for leadership that delivers," Luzige said confidently.

Voters in Mityana appear divided, with many saying they will base their decision not on party lines but on the candidate who proves capable of addressing their pressing issues.

"We’re tired of promises. We want roads, schools, and health services. Whoever shows real commitment to change will get our vote," said Ssemugabi Isaac a trader in Mityana Town.

Historically, the Mityana District chairperson seat has not drawn a large pool of candidates. In 2021, only three individuals contested: Mugisha Patrick Nshimye (NUP), who secured a commanding 43,703 votes; NRM’s Luzige Joseph Kamya, who garnered 21,216 votes; and independent candidate Abdul Mulindwa, who finished with 3,382 votes.

As political temperatures rise, the district braces for what is shaping up to be a competitive and closely watched race. The question now is whether Mityana will remain under NUP’s stewardship, return to NRM’s grip, or take a new political direction altogether.

The final decision, as always, lies in the hands of the voters.