Butaleja 23 Year old NUP Foot Soldier Wins Busaba  LC 111 Seat As Bobi Wine influence grows.

By Ambrose Wanagoli.

Butaleja District — In a dramatic political upset, 23-year-old Muzamiru Sharif has been declared winner of the Busaba Sub County LCIII chairperson seat, defeating incumbent Jackson Gadunya on the ticket of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Sharif’s victory has sent shockwaves across Mulanga Village and the wider Busaba Sub County in Butaleja District, with many describing his triumph as both historic and unexpected.

Young, single, and fresh from university with a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Sharif was widely seen as an underdog.

Living in a modest grass-thatched house in Mulanga Village, critics had doubted his chances, especially given NUP’s perceived urban stronghold and the dominance of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in rural eastern Uganda.

Yet against the odds, Sharif defeated Gadunya, proving that grassroots mobilization and youth appeal can reshape local

Sharif’s victory was declared in tense circumstances marked by teargas and gunfire. Supporters reportedly took to the streets amid fears that his win would be overturned. In a dramatic twist, Sharif was officially declared winner while in police custody following his arrest during the unrest.

The chaotic scenes underscored the high political stakes in the sub county and the deep divisions that characterized the race.

Sharif’s Agenda: Division, Development, and Unity

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Sharif outlined an ambitious agenda for Busaba Sub County. Top on his list is the proposed division of the large sub county into smaller administrative units, which he argues would improve service delivery and enhance the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM).

He also highlighted the pressing issue of water scarcity in Busaba and emphasized the urgent need to restore political unity in a sub county he says has been deeply polarized.

“Our people need clean water, better services, and unity. That is what I am going to prioritize,” Sharif told reporters.

Youth Wave Sweeps Villages

Sharif’s surprise victory has already inspired other young aspirants to join local politics ahead of LC1 elections.

Among them are:

Geoffrey Higenyi (25), who has declared interest in contesting for LC1 chairperson in Kanyenya Village.

Vincent Walwasa (29), now aspiring for the LC1 seat in Bugisa Village.

Jonan Weere (19), who plans to contest in Bubbinge Village.

The trio say they were motivated by Sharif’s bold step and unexpected triumph, describing him as proof that young leaders can break long-standing political barriers.

However, some political analysts in Butaleja speak anonymously for security reasons, caution that Sharif may face resistance.

They argue that the NUP’s growing influence in the villages of Butaleja has largely been countered by force and that the district traditionally aligns with the NRM.

They predict possible political sabotage from entrenched NRM loyalists, raising questions about whether Sharif will fully implement his pledges.

NUP Gains Ground

Sharif’s victory is not an isolated case. In Butaleja Town Council, the NUP candidate reportedly defeated NRM flag bearer Milton Mwima in another surprise outcome. Additionally, a Parish councillor in Busolwe Sub County also secured victory on a NUP ticket.

These results suggest a shifting political landscape in Butaleja District, with NUP making notable inroads into rural strongholds previously dominated by the ruling party.

As Sharif prepares to assume office, all eyes remain on the youthful leader whose improbable journey from a grass-thatched home to the helm of Busaba Sub County leadership has redefined political possibilities for many in eastern Uganda