Inside the KCCA Speakership Battle: Allegations Emerge of Secret Deals and Quiet Lobbying Targeting NUP Councilors

Kampala, Uganda — Fresh allegations have surfaced within Kampala’s political circles, suggesting efforts to influence the upcoming Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Speakership race through behind-the-scenes lobbying of Lord Councilors.

Sources within City Hall claim that a senior political figure, Abubaker Kawalya, is engaging a number of National Unity Platform (NUP) Lord Councilors in discussions aimed at swaying their support toward a candidate aligned with the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The alleged efforts are said to involve outreach to selected councilors considered politically close to him, with plans to expand engagements in the coming days.

According to our Sources with the matter, the alleged strategy is being coordinated alongside the Minister for Kampala. However, these claims remain unverified, and no official response has yet been issued by the individuals named.

This comes amid a tightly contested political environment within KCCA, where party loyalty is expected to play a decisive role. NUP currently holds a slight majority in the council, with 18 Lord Councilors compared to NRM’s 16, making any shift in allegiance potentially significant in determining the outcome of the Speakership race.

Some councilors, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that they are considering raising the matter with party leadership to seek guidance on how to handle the situation. They also allege that meetings related to the issue have been taking place at various locations within Kampala.

Observers note that the Speakership contest is likely to test party discipline, particularly among councilors with future political ambitions who may be reluctant to be seen as going against their party positions.

The allegations have also revived memories of previous Speakership contests within KCCA, where political alliances and cross-party cooperation played a role in shaping leadership outcomes.

Efforts to obtain comments from the parties mentioned were not immediately successful by press time.