Kalungu East MP Race!! NUP’s Strong Man Kiruluuta Yusuf JNR Takes 75% Commanding Lead In New Poll

Kalungu East – With just months to the 2026 general elections, the political winds in Kalungu East are shifting dramatically — and all signs point toward one candidate: Kiruluuta Yusuf JNR Nkeretanyi. A newly released opinion poll shows the youthful National Unity Platform (NUP) hopeful leading the parliamentary race with a stunning 75% support among likely voters.

The poll, conducted in August by the independent Kalungu Civic Pulse Group, surveyed 1,200 voters across the constituency’s parishes. It reflects a seismic political realignment in the region, as longtime figures such as Francis Katabaazi Katongole and former Agriculture Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja fall behind, earning 12% and 10% respectively. The remaining 3% of voters were undecided.

This surge in support for Kiruluuta is reshaping the political narrative in Kalungu East, a constituency that has historically leaned on legacy candidates and party loyalty.

From Familiar Face to Frontrunner

Kiruluuta is not a stranger to Kalungu East — but his rapid political rise is anything but ordinary. A self-made businessman turned philanthropist, Kiruluuta has spent the last several years working behind the scenes to uplift communities through education sponsorships, youth employment initiatives, and agricultural cooperatives.

His efforts have resonated strongly, especially among younger voters who view him as a pragmatic leader with a modern outlook.

“He doesn’t talk about change — he lives it,” said Grace Nambalirwa, a 26-year-old teacher in Miwula. “He has placed our people in jobs abroad, funded education for orphans and funds local women’s groups. Who else is doing that?”

His development-first approach has created a political platform rooted not in slogans, but in visible, tangible impact.

The Collapse of Traditional Strongholds

For incumbent MP Francis Katabaazi Katongole, the poll numbers are sobering. Once hailed as a passionate mobilizer in the post-2021 NUP wave, Katabaazi now faces criticism from within his own party structures for what many describe as a “detachment from the ground.”

The poll found that only 18% of respondents in Katabaazi’s 2021 stronghold of Kalungu Town Council still support his bid for re-election. The majority cited his limited presence, broken promises, and lack of visibility during community crises.

Meanwhile, Vincent Ssempijja, a veteran of the NRM and former minister, appears to be struggling to regain relevance. Despite his long service, voters in the area seem eager to turn the page.

“We’re done with political tourists,” said Dan Mukasa, a boda boda rider in Lukaya. “We want someone who’s not just known, but who knows us.”

Cultural Credibility Bolsters Kiruluuta’s Appeal

Adding to his political advantage is Kiruluuta’s deep connection to the Buganda Kingdom, where he has established trust among key cultural stakeholders. In Kalungu East — where cultural identity often shapes political allegiance — his alignment with Buganda values has only enhanced his legitimacy.

This has made him not just a political candidate, but a symbol of generational leadership rooted in tradition and service.

A New Political Era on the Horizon?

With NUP set to conduct internal primaries in early 2026, Kiruluuta is widely expected to secure the party’s ticket. Analysts believe his 75% polling lead could even grow, especially as his ground campaign intensifies in the final stretch of the year.

His blend of youthful charisma, community development, and cultural fluency presents a powerful formula in a district long hungry for transformative leadership.

“He’s not the future — he’s the now,” said elder and retired teacher Geoffrey Lwanga. “And the people of Kalungu are ready.”