By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: In a significant address that has sent ripples across the political landscape, Nasser Kakumba Ssebalamu, an aspiring presidential candidate under the Umoja Alliance, passionately outlined his vision for Uganda as the nation prepares for the 2026 general elections.
Speaking to a crowd that echoed the hopes and aspirations of millions, Ssebalamu invoked both heartfelt personal experiences and a collective yearning for change.
“As a son of this soil, shaped by the experiences of our people, and driven by the conviction that Uganda can be and must be better, I am humbled by your trust, strengthened by your hope, and inspired by the dreams that we carry in our hearts,” Ssebalamu declared, his voice filled with emotion. His words served as both a welcome and a rallying cry to every Ugandan who dares to dream of a more prosperous future.
In an era where political rhetoric often falls flat, Ssebalamu stood out by weaving his narrative with personal experiences that resonate deeply with the everyday Ugandan. “I have walked in the shoes of each and every border in Uganda. I have stood in line in hospitals waiting for treatment… I have witnessed the struggles of a farmer whose sweat brings food to our tables but whose pockets remain empty,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to understand the lived experiences of the populace he aims to lead.
Ssebalamu’s remarks turned remarkable as he posed a critical question that strikes at the heart of Uganda’s socio-economic struggles: “Why is Uganda still strong?” He pointed fingers at systemic issues plaguing the nation—bad governance, corruption, and nepotism—laying bare the realities that have led to the country’s stagnation despite its rich resources.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the answer is very simple and painful: Bad governance,” he stated. “We can no longer be silent seeing abductions happening in this country… We can no longer be silent seeing young people lose lives each and every day.” This rallying cry not only emphasizes the urgency for change but also calls for collective action, urging Ugandans to rise up and demand accountability.
Ssebalamu firmly believes that Uganda is a land blessed with immense potential, saying, “Together we are building something bigger than ourselves. We are building a future for the generations to come.” He painted an image of a beautiful Uganda—a nation filled with opportunities, fertile soils, and a youthful population eager for progress. “We are a nation of over 45 million people… the greatest percentage of this generation are young people below the age of 35 years—energetic, brilliant, and resilient.”
At the heart of Ssebalu’s message were seven ideological principles that he believes will drive Uganda towards economic independence and prosperity. He asserted, “A nation that begs cannot govern itself… We must revise our fiscal policy… and invest in our people.” He emphasized the importance of citizen involvement in national rebuilding, stating, “Uganda will not be rebuilt by politicians… it must be rebuilt by the cowherds, by the teachers, by the media.”
Ssebalamu also pivoted towards advocating for social equity and justice: “Laws must not be written for the poor and ignored by the powerful. Justice must be blind and fair for all.” His ambition is not merely political; it is a sincere attempt to realign the government’s purpose towards the people it serves, highlighting accountability as a crucial aspect of governance.
In an environment marked by rampant corruption, Ssebalamu courageously proposed targeted measures to combat this malaise. He believes that corruption stems from both need and greed, advocating for a systemic overhaul that tackles the root causes of corruption rather than just its effects. “When we talk of corruption, we want to address the corruption syndicate from the cause point of view,” he explained.
Ssebalamu’s vision extends significantly into the education sector, where he expressed the need for reform that prioritizes practicality over rote learning. He proposed reducing primary classes from seven to six to enhance efficiency and accelerate students’ entry into the workforce. “The fact that this was revised, we look at it as something that was announced and something that has to be changed immediately,” he asserted.
Crucially, he reaffirmed the importance of government schools: “Government scholarships should be for students from government schools… If we are to help our children, we need to boost the schools that have the potential but lack resources.”
Nasser Kakumba Ssebalamu made it clear that he does not seek the presidential office for personal ambition. “I do not seek the presidency to rule over you. I seek it to serve you,” he stated with clarity that resonates with sincerity. The promise of a government that listens and values the dreams and voices of all Ugandans is a central tenet of his campaign.
“The Uganda we dream of will not fall from the sky. We must fight for it with our voices,” he cautioned, urging all citizens to take part in this monumental journey towards transformation. As he concluded, Ssebalamu reminded the crowd of their shared responsibility in shaping a new narrative for Uganda: “This is our Uganda. This is our time.”
In a landscape often marred by disillusionment, Ssebalu’s voice shines as a beacon of hope, rallying Ugandans not just to dream of a better future but to actively participate in the creation of that vision. His words echo a promise: with collective will, tenacity, and an unwavering belief in Uganda’s potential, greatness is not just a possibility—it is within reach.