By Joseph Sooka
Democratic Party (DP) delegates in Jinja City have officially endorsed Ismael Kiirya as the party’s flag bearer for the Jinja South East Constituency, marking a crucial step in their preparations for the upcoming 2026 general elections.
The significant endorsement took place on the evening of Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Beam of Hope Computer Training Centre in Aldina Village, Jinja. The event brought together party faithful eager to strategize for the forthcoming electoral cycle.
The ceremony was graced by Hon. Eng. Sebamala Richard, the Member of Parliament for Bukoto Central, who addressed the assembled delegates. In his address, Hon. Sebamala expressed concern over Jinja’s decline, lamenting that the city, once a vibrant hub of tourism and industrial activity, has been neglected in terms of political representation and development. He pointed to the poor state of road infrastructure, citing the long hours he spent traveling from Kampala, as a clear indicator of government neglect.
Hon. Sebamala sharply criticized the incumbent government, stating that despite over four decades in power, it has failed to bring about significant economic transformation. He framed the current political landscape as a critical battle for opposition parties to seize power and instigate genuine change. The MP also condemned government initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, asserting that these programs have exacerbated poverty rather than alleviating it. He urged DP delegates to grasp the profound potential of political power in uplifting the populace.
Sebamala underscored the necessity of cultivating fresh leadership within the Busoga region, noting the widespread failure of many current leaders, particularly during NRM primaries, due to inadequate service delivery. He cautioned about the nation’s escalating debt burden, which he warned future leaders would inherit. The MP further highlighted the government’s disregard for vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities, who, he argued, deserve respect and housing support.
Expressing unwavering confidence in the Democratic Party, Sebamala declared, “We believe that come 2026, DP will be in the driver’s seat. Many parties fear DP because of its strong organization and transparency. DP is one family.”
Following the powerful address, Ismael Kiirya, the newly endorsed flag bearer, took to the podium. He asserted his unquestionable academic and professional credentials, affirming his full qualification to contest the parliamentary seat. Kiirya lauded the Democratic Party for its dedication to mentorship and nurturing responsible leaders.
Appealing for overwhelming community support, Kiirya pledged not to disappoint the people of Jinja South East. “I am an international leader, and I believe it’s time to elect leaders based on integrity and capability, not those driven by money,” he stated, emphasizing a shift towards value-based leadership in the upcoming general elections.
