By Kenneth Wamatoyi
JINJA CITY
As internal party elections continue across the country, Democratic Party (DP) delegates in Jinja City have officially endorsed Ismael Kiirya as the party’s flag bearer for the Jinja South East Constituency in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
The endorsement took place on the evening of Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in Aldina Village at the Beam of Hope Computer Training Centre.
Hon. Eng. Sebamala Richard, MP for Bukoto Central, addressed the delegates during the event. In his speech, he noted that Jinja, once a hub of tourism and industrial activity, has been left behind in political representation and development. He cited the poor road infrastructure as a clear sign of government neglect, saying he spent several hours traveling from Kampala to Jinja.
Hon. Sebamala criticized the current government, stating that although it has ruled for over 40 years, there has been no significant economic transformation. He described it as a battle for the opposition parties to take over and push for real change.
He also condemned government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, claiming they have only worsened poverty instead of alleviating it. He urged DP delegates to understand the true meaning of political power and how it can be used to uplift the people.
Sebamala emphasized the importance of nurturing new leadership in the Busoga region. He stated that many leaders in the region have failed, particularly during the NRM primaries, due to poor service delivery. He warned that the country is burdened with increasing debt, which future leaders will have to address. He also pointed out the government’s neglect of vulnerable groups like persons with disabilities, who deserve respect and housing support but are often ignored.
Expressing 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.”
In his remarks, Ismael Kiirya said his academic and professional credentials are unquestionable and that he is fully qualified to contest. He praised the DP for its mentorship and commitment to grooming responsible leaders.
Kiirya appealed for community support, promising 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 said.
