By RTN Political Desk
MBALE, UGANDA- In a surprising turn of events ahead of the upcoming 2026 gerenal elections in Uganda that includes parliamentary elections, an opinion poll conducted by The Rush Times News suggests a significant shift in voter sentiment within the Bungokho Central constituency in Mbale District in Eastern Uganda.
The poll, focusing on the youth demographic, indicates a substantial lead for NANGAYI GUYSON of the National Unity Platform (NUP), potentially unseating the incumbent National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The Rush Times News political desk undertook a rigorous phone poll, reaching out to a sample of 1,000 eligible youthful voters residing within the Bungokho Central constituency. The results, published late last night, paint a picture of a dynamic electorate increasingly drawn to the promises and platform of the NUP.
According to the poll, NANGAYI GUYSON commands a commanding lead with 50% of the surveyed youth expressing their intention to vote for him as the next Member of Parliament for Bungokho Central. This figure dwarfs the support for the other contenders in the race.
Trailing behind GUYSON is MASABA MUHAMOOD, also vying for the parliamentary seat, with a considerably smaller 20% of the vote share. WAMONO GEORGE lags further behind at 12%, WANDA RICHARD at 10 %, Werikhe Kafabusa Micheal at 5 % while MULEYI TIMOTHY garners the support of only 3% of the youth polled.
The poll's findings have sent ripples throughout the local political landscape, igniting speculation about the factors contributing to this dramatic surge in support for the National Unity platform candidate among young voters.
Youth Disillusionment Fuels NUP Momentum:
Analysts suggest that the strong showing for NANGAYI GUYSON can be attributed to a growing sense of disillusionment amongst the youth population with the status quo and the perceived lack of tangible progress under the long-ruling NRM.
“The youth in Bungokho Central, like many across Uganda, are facing significant challenges including high unemployment rates, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and a perceived lack of opportunities for upward mobility,” explains Dr. Sarah Wanyera, a political science lecturer at Makerere University. “The National Unity platform with its focus on addressing these issues and offering a fresh perspective, seems to be resonating strongly with this demographic.”
The NUP, led by charismatic musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has positioned itself as a champion of the youth and a voice for the marginalized. Its message of change, accountability, and social justice has struck a chord with young Ugandans who feel their concerns have been ignored for too long.
Key Issues Resonating with Young Voters:
Several key issues appear to be driving the youth towards NANGAYI GUYSON and the National Unity platform in Bungokho Central:
Unemployment:
The lack of job opportunities is a pervasive concern for young people in the constituency. The NUP has pledged to prioritize job creation through investments in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and skills development.
Education:
Access to quality education is another major priority. Guyson has advocated for improved funding for schools, increased access to scholarships, and reforms to the curriculum to better prepare students for the job market.
Corruption:
Rampant corruption is seen as a major impediment to development and a source of frustration for young people. Nangayi Guyson under National Unity platform has vowed to fight corruption through greater transparency, accountability, and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
Healthcare:
Access to affordable and quality healthcare remains a challenge for many in Bungokho Central. The NUP has promised to improve healthcare infrastructure, increase the number of healthcare professionals, and expand access to health insurance.
Political Participation:
The National Unity platform has emphasized the importance of youth participation in politics and decision-making. The party has actively encouraged young people to register to vote, engage in political discourse, and run for office.
NRM Response and Challenges Ahead:
The opinion poll results have undoubtedly put the NRM on the defensive. While the party has enjoyed considerable support in Bungokho Central in the past, the growing popularity of the National Unity platform represents a significant threat.
The NRM's candidate, widely assumed to be the incumbent, will face an uphill battle to retain the seat. The party will need to address the concerns of young voters and demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing their needs.
“The NRM needs to acknowledge the challenges facing the youth and articulate a clear and compelling vision for the future,” argues Dr. Wanyera. “They need to show that they are listening to the concerns of young people and that they are committed to taking concrete action to improve their lives.”
The NRM's response is likely to involve a combination of strategies, including:
Increased outreach to youth:
The party is expected to ramp up its efforts to engage with young voters through town hall meetings, social media campaigns, and door-to-door canvassing.
Highlighting past achievements:
The NRM will likely emphasize the government's past achievements in areas such as infrastructure development, economic growth, and poverty reduction.
Promising new initiatives:
The party is expected to announce new initiatives aimed at addressing the specific concerns of young people, such as job creation programs, skills training initiatives, and access to credit.
Attacking the NUP:
The NRM is likely to intensify its attacks on the National Unity platform, questioning its leadership, its policies, and its ability to deliver on its promises.
Limitations of the Poll and Potential for Change:
While the opinion poll provides valuable insights into the current political landscape in Bungokho Central, it is important to acknowledge its limitations.
Sample Size:
While the sample size of 1,000 is respectable, it may not be fully representative of the entire youth population in the constituency.
Methodology:
Phone polls can be subject to biases, as not everyone has access to a phone and those who do may be more likely to participate in polls.
Potential for Change:
Voter sentiment can change rapidly, particularly in the lead-up to an election. The poll provides a snapshot of the current situation, but the outcome of the election could still be different.
Despite these limitations, the poll serves as a wake-up call for the NRM and a testament to the growing influence of the National Unity platform among young voters in Bungokho Central.
The Road Ahead:
The upcoming parliamentary elections in Bungokho Central are shaping up to be a closely contested affair. The National Unity platform’s NANGAYI GUYSON has emerged as a strong contender, riding on a wave of youth support and promising a fresh approach to addressing the challenges facing the constituency.
The NRM will need to mount a vigorous defense of its seat, convincing young voters that it remains the best option for their future. The outcome of the election will depend on which party is able to effectively mobilize its supporters and resonate with the concerns of the electorate.
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