By Aggrey Baba
The 2026 race for Masaka District Woman Member of Parliament is unfolding in a context dominated by coffee farming, following the disbandment of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), which used to provide farmers with support such as extension services, quality control, and seedling distribution.
Its dissolution and transfer of responsibilities to the Ministry of Agriculture have left many farmers in Masaka feeling neglected, with reports that ministry officials are rarely present in their communities, raising concerns about the future of coffee production in the region.
NUP’s Joan Namutaawe is the incumbent MP and has officially sought the party ticket for 2026, having previously ran as Independent in 2021 and won, benefiting from strong youth support and widespread backing for NUP in the area. Namutaawe has emphasized addressing farmers’ concerns about UCDA and improving agricultural support.
Mary Babirye Kabanda of the Democratic Party (DP) is expected to be her main challenger, having previously served as Masaka Woman MP and aiming to reclaim the seat, citing her experience and past work in supporting local farmers.
Annet Nalule, representing NRM, is also in the race. She performed well as an Independent in 2021, finishing second, and hopes that NRM backing will improve her chances in the rural parts of the district.
Masaka’s economy is largely agricultural, with coffee as the main cash crop. Candidates are focusing their campaigns on supporting farmers through distribution of seedlings, tools, and promises to restore agricultural services previously provided by UCDA.
The 2026 election in the district is expected to hinge on how effectively candidates can address coffee farmers’ needs and respond to concerns about government support for the sector.
