Jinja City, Friday, August 29, 2025 — The National Unity Platform (NUP) is grappling with fresh internal turmoil as it rolls out local government tickets ahead of the 2026 general elections. From Jinja to other regions, complaints of unfair or unclear vetting processes are surfacing, raising fears of divisions within Uganda’s largest opposition party.
In Jinja City, the fallout has already turned dramatic. Mayor Alton Okotcha, popularly known as Alton Kasolo, on Friday announced that he had quit NUP after being denied the party flag. In a phone interview, Kasolo confirmed that he would contest as an independent candidate.
“You know the slogan of the Party is People Power. Even me, I am going to the people to decide. I am going to stand as an independent,” Kasolo told journalist Samuel Mwesigwa.
NUP handed its mayoral ticket to Hajji Kirunda Mubarak, the former Jinja Central Mayor who recently crossed from FDC. Mubarak’s successful push for the modernization of Kakindu Stadium has boosted his political standing, a factor insiders say weighed heavily in his favor during the vetting exercise.
Kasolo’s Record in Office
Despite his unconventional rise to power, Kasolo points to several notable achievements during his tenure. His administration oversaw the installation of street lighting along Milo Road leading to Gaddafi Barracks, allocation of land to Makerere University for a new Jinja Campus, and tightened security over public land in the city.
He has also supervised the development of the Source of the Nile tourism project and spearheaded infrastructure upgrades, including the tarmacking of several city roads. Supporters argue that these milestones show a mayor focused on both service delivery and long-term planning.
Ironically, Kasolo’s political woes coincide with his suspension from radio appearances by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). As a former radio presenter, his limited media access may free up time to concentrate on grassroots mobilization as he prepares for his independent campaign.
Why He Lost the Card
Kasolo’s 2021 victory was powered by a youthful outfit, The Blue Suit Group, but his time in office quickly attracted criticism from some opposition hardliners, who accused him of collaborating with President Museveni — allegations he has denied.
Earlier this month, tensions boiled over at NUP’s Kavule headquarters when chaos erupted as Kasolo attempted to pick nomination forms. He was heckled, assaulted, and had his documents torn up by supporters who branded him a traitor. Eyewitnesses reported that his wife fled the scene while the mayor sought refuge inside an office.
Although NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya tried to restore calm, their pleas were ignored — raising fresh questions about discipline among NUP grassroots supporters.
What Next for Jinja?
Jinja has long been a key opposition stronghold. The late Hajji Baswale Kezaala (DP) dominated the mayoral seat for a decade before passing the baton to Magid Batambuze, who served one term. Kasolo’s 2021 win was initially dismissed as a fluke but gradually earned him credibility among sections of voters.
With his independent bid now official, analysts say the 2026 race could be reshaped. Kasolo is expected to draw support from voters who see him as a “neutral leader,” while Mubarak may consolidate backing from those impressed by his development track record.
However, political observers caution that if Kasolo and Mubarak split the opposition vote, the NRM candidate could capitalize and capture the seat.
At press time, Hajji Kirunda Mubarak had not responded to requests for comment on Kasolo’s defection.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as new details emerge.
