NRM Youth Firebrand Vows to Unseat Opposition Chief Whip in Manjiya MP Race

By RTN political Desk

 

Kampala, Uganda– The political landscape in Manjiya County is heating up as a young and ambitious member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) vows to challenge the incumbent Member of Parliament, John Baptist Nambeshe, also the Chief Whip of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP). 

 
Shimuli Joshua, a rising star within the NRM ranks, has declared his intention to contest the Manjiya MP seat in the upcoming elections, igniting a wave of enthusiasm amongst the youth and presenting a significant challenge to Nambeshe's long-standing hold on the constituency.

 
Shimuli Joshua, born in Busai Parish, Namanji Village, Bududa Sub-county, on December 18th, 1994, to Muzee Lawrence Wakyaya and Mama Monica, is a graduate of Social Work and Social Administration from Uganda Christian University (UCU).
 

His youthful energy and sharp intellect have quickly garnered him a strong following, particularly among the youth of Manjiya, who see him as a potential solution to their pressing concerns.

 "The youth of Manjiya are tired of being overlooked," Shimuli Joshua declared in a recent voter consultation meeting. "We need a leader who understands our struggles, who is committed to creating opportunities, and who will amplify our voices in parliament. I believe I am that leader."

 
Shimuli’s connection to the area runs deep, hailing from the same sub-county as Nambeshe himself. This local understanding, coupled with his vibrant personality, allows him to connect with constituents on a personal level.

Youthful Energy Takes Center Stage

Campaign Poster

Shimuli's strategic campaign is heavily focused on addressing the needs of the youth, including employment opportunities, access to quality education and healthcare, and empowerment programs.
He argues that Nambeshe, despite his experience, has failed to adequately represent the interests of the younger generation. 

"For too long, we have seen our youth struggle with unemployment and lack of opportunities," Shimuli stated. "I will work tirelessly to attract investment to our region, create jobs, and equip our youth with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century."

His supporters believe that his youthful perspective will bring fresh ideas and a new level of engagement to the parliamentary seat. They see him as a symbol of change and a catalyst for progress in Manjiya.

"Shimuli understands our problems because he is one of us," said one young supporter from Bududa town. "He is not just another politician; he is a leader who genuinely cares about the future of our community."

A Challenge to the Opposition 

While Nambeshe enjoys significant support from within the opposition NUP party, his critics view Shimuli as a formidable contender capable of eroding that support and ultimately unseating the veteran politician.

 

They argue that Nambeshe has become detached from the needs of the local community and that a fresh voice is needed to revitalize the region. 

 

"Nambeshe has had his time," Shimuli asserted. "He has served his constituency for many years, but I believe it is time for a new generation to step up and lead Manjiya forward."

The NRM has thrown its weight behind Shimuli, seeing his candidacy as an opportunity to gain a foothold in a constituency traditionally held by the opposition.
The party is expected to provide him with the resources and support he needs to mount a credible challenge to Nambeshe. 

"We believe that Shimuli has the potential to be a great leader for Manjiya," said a high-ranking NRM official. "He is intelligent, articulate, and deeply committed to the welfare of his community. We are confident that he will be a strong voice for the people of Manjiya in parliament."

A Battleground for Ideologies

 
In the upcoming 2026 general election, Manjiya is shaping up to be a battleground for competing ideologies and a test of strength for both the NRM and NUP parties. 

While Nambeshe will undoubtedly leverage his experience and political connections to defend his seat, Shimuli's youthful energy and grassroots support pose a significant threat.
The election is expected to be closely contested, with both candidates vying for the support of the diverse electorate in Manjiya. 

The outcome will likely depend on their ability to mobilize voters, address key issues, and connect with the concerns of the local population. 

The race for the Manjiya MP seat is more than just a contest between two individuals; it represents a generational shift and a struggle for the future of the constituency.
Whether the voters will choose to stick with the experienced Nambeshe or embrace the fresh perspective of Shimuli Joshua remains to be seen. 

The coming months will undoubtedly be filled with intense campaigning, passionate debates, and a renewed focus on the needs and aspirations of the people of Manjiya. The eyes of the nation will be on this small corner of Uganda as it decides its future leadership.

This story is created by the RTN political desk, which will be covering and reporting on the 2026 general election in Uganda. If you have a story, you'd like us to cover, please reach out to us via email: