By Spy Uganda
In a move that could reshape the political landscape in Mityana District, Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba has announced her intention to contest for the Mityana District Woman MP seat in the upcoming elections. This seat, currently held by Joyce Bagala of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been the focal point of a heated political battle since the 2021 election.
Nabakooba, a prominent member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has expressed a renewed sense of purpose in seeking the position once again. In a recent interview, she confidently outlined her intentions, emphasizing her previous leadership record and the continued support she claims to enjoy from the people of Mityana despite her absence from Parliament. “I intend to stand again as Mityana District Woman MP. Even without being an MP, I have delivered results,” Nabakooba remarked.
Her remarks reflect a clear strategy to re-engage voters who feel that their needs have not been adequately addressed under the current leadership. Nabakooba revealed that many residents have reached out to her, expressing disappointment with the current representation. “People keep reaching out to me, saying, ‘Madam, come back. We are regretting.’ They compare and see the difference,” she stated, underscoring her belief that her previous work in the district has earned her the trust of the electorate. Nabakooba also emphasized her commitment to working with the community to “regain Mityana’s glory” and improve service delivery.
The Mityana Woman MP seat has been contentious, particularly since the 2021 elections when Nabakooba lost to Joyce Bagala by a margin of 16,000 votes. After the election, Nabakooba filed a petition challenging the results, citing irregularities such as voter intimidation, bribery, and claims of multiple voting. She accused the Electoral Commission of failing to ensure a free and fair election, pointing out that agents of her opponent allowed unregistered individuals to vote.
The legal battle that ensued saw the Mubende High Court ruling in favor of Nabakooba on October 2, 2021. The court nullified Bagala’s election, ordering a fresh poll, with Justice Emmanuel Baguma agreeing that the allegations of electoral malpractice were substantiated. However, the case took a dramatic turn when Bagala appealed the decision, and in a ruling by the Court of Appeal, justices Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Stephen Musota, and Christopher Gashirabake overturned the High Court’s verdict, reinstating Bagala as the duly elected Woman MP for Mityana District.
Despite the legal setbacks, Nabakooba has not been deterred. Her decision to re-enter the political fray is seen as a challenge to Bagala’s continued hold on the seat. With her announcement, the stage is set for another high-stakes political battle in Mityana.
