Race for Mbarara City Mayor tightens as Seith Murari officially announces bid 2026 Polls

In a bold step toward city leadership, Hon. Seith Murari has officially announced his bid for the Mbarara City Mayorship.

His declaration, made on Monday, was met with cheers from local residents who fondly refer to him as “Muzahura wa City Yeitu”, loosely translated as “the redeemer of our city.”

Murari has made a name for himself through environmental activism, particularly as the force behind the annual Save River Rwizi Marathon, a flagship event aimed at sensitizing the public about the endangered state of River Rwizi.

The marathon not only highlights the urgent need for environmental conservation but also supports the development of sustainable waste management practices across Mbarara. His advocacy has resulted in tangible projects, including the installation of underground waste bunkers to protect the river and improve sanitation in urban areas.

Outside his environmental work, Murari is a well-known patron of the local sports scene. His signature moto rallies, regularly hosted at Booma Grounds, have drawn thousands of spectators and significantly boosted small businesses in the area.

“It’s crucial to give candidates a platform to speak, regardless of whether you support them; focus on the content of their message rather than their appearance or personal style,” says Mbarara City Woman MP Ritah Bwahika Natukwasa, who suggests joint rallies for parliamentary candidates to promote transparency and accountability, reducing misinformation.

Meanwhile, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has concluded the issuance of nomination forms for various elective positions ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 general elections. Dr. Tanga Odoi, the party’s Electoral Commission Chairperson, described the exercise as orderly and successful, confirming that over 2,800 aspirants collected forms for roles ranging from Members of Parliament to District Chairpersons (LC5).

“This level of participation shows the continued strength and appeal of the NRM,” said Dr. Odoi, noting that all aspirants promptly cleared the expression-of-interest fees—UGX 3 million for MP hopefuls and UGX 1 million for LC5 Chairpersons.

The next stage, according to Odoi, is the formal nomination of candidates, scheduled for July 17 to July 30, 2025. He added that the party primaries will be conducted by lining up behind chosen candidates on July 16, 2025.

Among notable figures who picked forms were Minister of State for Lands, Persis Namuganza, who has been nominated to run in the NRM primaries for Bukono County in Namutumba District, Napak Woman MP Faith Nakut has been nominated for the NRM flag ahead of the July 16 party polls, Pastor Muyingo Bright (Bugaya County, Hoima), Nabbaale Joweria Makaayi (Kyotera Woman MP), Eng. Kabandore Shafic (Makindye East), and lawyer Fabrian Gakyalo (Igara East, Bushenyi District). All expressed readiness to serve if entrusted with leadership.

The Ankole and Greater Mukono sub-regions registered the highest number of aspirants. While the final breakdown of mayoral and LC5 Chairperson hopefuls is yet to be released, insiders say interest in these positions remains strong.

NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong says the party has received an overwhelming number of nominations for its primaries. He noted that candidates will be required to campaign together to avoid clashes and urged those who may lose not to contest as independents.