Entebbe Lawmaker Kakembo Clears DF Primaries Hurdle for 2026 Race

Entebbe Municipality MP Michael Kakembo secures Democratic Front nomination for 2026 elections after defecting from NUP, as party leadership lauds his principled shift.

By Lubowa Babu Hussein

August 5, 2025 at 10:58 AM

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Key Takeaways

Michael Kakembo Mbwatekamwa, the MP for Entebbe Municipality, has been endorsed by the Democratic Front for the 2026 general elections.
Kakembo left the National Unity Platform (NUP) to pursue 'substantive nation-building through mature political engagement.'
Democratic Front President Mathias Mpuuga supports Kakembo's transition, highlighting his 'policy-driven approach' and dedication to Uganda's progress.
Moses Banalekaki has also been cleared by the DF commission to run for Kampala Lord Mayor, focusing on youth interests.

The Democratic Front's electoral body has formally endorsed Michael Kakembo Mbwatekamwa, the sitting Member of Parliament for Entebbe Municipality, as a candidate for the party's primaries preceding Uganda's 2026 general elections. Kakembo joins multiple local officeholders from Entebbe—including councilors and division mayors—seeking the party's ticket for upcoming electoral contests.

Following his nomination, Kakembo defended his recent departure from the National Unity Platform (NUP), stating his resolve to pursue "substantive nation-building through mature political engagement" rather than what he termed "short-sighted maneuvering." Democratic Front President Mathias Mpuuga championed the lawmaker's transition during the nomination ceremony, calling it "a bold step toward visionary governance." Mpuuga urged constituents to support Kakembo's "policy-driven approach," describing him as "a transformative legislator dedicated to Uganda's progress."

In parallel developments, the DF commission also cleared Moses Banalekaki's bid for Kampala Lord Mayor. The young aspirant asserted that the capital requires "dynamic and inventive leadership," vowing to champion youth interests in a city where they form the demographic majority.