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Bungokho South Constituency in Mbale District, located at the border of Tororo, Butaleja, and Manafwa districts, has become a political hotspot ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Previously represented by Hon. Michael Kafabusa Werikhe since 1996, the constituency was split in 2020, giving rise to Bungokho Central. This division left each constituency with six sub-counties, aimed at improving political representation for previously marginalized areas such as Busiu Sub-county, Bumasikye, Bunambutye, Busiu Town Council, Lukhonje, and Bukiende.
Residents of Bungokho South had high hopes for better representation and improved service delivery after years of feeling sidelined under Hon. Kafabusa’s leadership, which was perceived to favor the upper sub-counties that now form Bungokho Central.
In the 2021 general elections, five candidates contested the new Bungokho South seat. Daniel Nakhale (FDC) polled 333 votes, former LCV Chairperson Bernard Elly Mujasi, running as an independent, secured just 94 votes, Woshale David (independent) garnered 5,814 votes, and Wokuri Godfrey (independent) obtained 6,763 votes. However, it was Robert Wandwasi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) who emerged victorious with 9,842 votes.
Wandwasi’s term has since been marred by criticism from both opponents and constituents who accuse him of underperformance. They claim he has failed to articulate constituency issues in parliament and has largely been absent from the community he represents.
Now, over 10 contenders have expressed interest in challenging Wandwasi in 2026. Among the most prominent is Hon. Paul Musamali, 53, a two-time representative of Uganda in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
Musamali’s Bid
Musamali, who hails from Namwenula Village in Muanda Parish, Bumasikye Sub-county, says the lackluster performance of the incumbent MP prompted his decision to join the race.
“The incumbent’s performance has been minimal. He hasn’t mobilized for development or raised issues affecting the people of Bungokho South. There is a clear leadership gap,” Musamali said. “With my legislative experience, I believe I can represent my people better.”
Having served in the EALA since 2017, Musamali says he brings legislative exposure, diplomatic skill, and a wide network of national, regional, and international contacts that he believes can be used to benefit Bungokho South.
Education and Early Leadership
Musamali holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Makerere University, a Diploma in Business Studies from Makerere University Business School (MUBS), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from Uganda Management Institute (UMI). He also holds a certificate in Administrative Law from the Law Development Centre (LDC) and another in leadership from Uongozi Institute in Dar es Salaam.
His leadership journey began during his student days. He was Minister for Finance at MUBS in 1995, Chairman of the NRM Makerere branch (2001–2003), and Guild Representative for Mitchell Hall after losing the university guild presidency in 2003.
Work Experience
In 2004, Musamali joined State House as a researcher at the youth desk. He later became a policy analyst and personal assistant to the Government Chief Whip in Parliament, serving until 2013. He was promoted to Senior Policy Analyst and later to Principal Assistant Secretary/Parliamentary Assistant to the Prime Minister, a position he held until 2016 when he resigned to contest for a seat in EALA.
Time in EALA
Musamali entered EALA in 2017 on the NRM ticket, securing 350 out of 395 votes in a race involving 43 candidates. He was re-elected in 2022 with 401 votes out of 490 MPs.
“I had worked with many MPs as a researcher and policy analyst, so they knew my capabilities,” he noted.
He says his time at EALA was driven by a desire to contribute to East African integration and promote intra-regional trade.
Achievements in EALA
Musamali actively participated in legislation that improved the movement of people and trade across the East African region. He moved motions to abolish visa requirements for some countries, establish a Council of Eminent Persons, and legalize shared use of East African airspace.
He also contributed to amendments to the East African Customs Management Act to streamline trade processes, promote single customs territories, and support the creation of one-stop border posts.
“These efforts aimed to make cross-border trade easier and create employment opportunities for Ugandans at the EALA level,” Musamali added.
Mission for Bungokho South
Musamali says his mission is to improve essential services in Bungokho South through effective lobbying, representation, and community mobilization.
“Many areas still lack electricity, clean water, quality healthcare, and good roads. The poverty levels are high, largely due to the absence of leadership that can engage locals in income-generating activities and government programs,” he said.
He also aims to bring a new standard of legislative conduct to Uganda’s parliament.
“At EALA, we debate with diplomacy. I hope to instill that same level of professionalism in Uganda’s Parliament,” he said.
He was nominated on Thursday 19th June 2025 and is set for the NRM primaries scheduled for July 2025.
As Bungokho South prepares for another election cycle, the entry of a high-profile candidate like Musamali has stirred anticipation and debate. Whether his extensive experience will translate into electoral success remains to be seen.
