BUSHENYI – In a move signaling a potential shift in the political landscape, young entrepreneur Tukundane Casbart has been officially nominated to contest for the Bushenyi Municipality Parliamentary seat, setting the stage for a classic showdown against the region’s established political dynasty.
Casbart, who will be running as an independent, is poised to challenge the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, a son of wealthy tycoon Hassan Basajjabalaba. This contest is being framed by supporters as a battle between grassroots representation and entrenched family rule.
The nomination has ignited excitement, particularly among the youth, who see Casbart as a symbol of change. “I represent the poor and the downtrodden in this municipality,” Casbart stated following his nomination. “I come from a humble background, and I believe that everyone, not just a privileged few, deserves a stake in our district’s future.”
This is not Casbart’s first political challenge. He previously contested for the NRM Chairperson seat in Bushenyi District, a hotly contested race he ultimately lost to Hassan Basajjhimself.himself.
His new campaign directly confronts what many locals describe as the “Basajjabalaba political monopoly.” The family’s influence in the region is extensive includes Hassan Basajjabalaba who is the NRM Chairperson, Bushenyi District, his son who is the current NRM flag bearer for Bushenyi Municipality MP, Jaffari Basajjabalaba who is the District Chairperson for Bushenyi, Naser Basajjabalaba who is a former Youth MP for Western Region and former MP for Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality.
This concentration of power within one family has become a central issue in the race. Many voters now hope that Casbart’s candidacy can dismantle this long-standing structure and usher in a more inclusive form of governance.
“Bushenyi’s politics should not be a family business,” said one enthusiastic young supporter. “It’s time for a leader who understands our daily struggles. Casbart is one of us.”
As the campaign season heats up, all eyes will be on Bushenyi to see if this young entrepreneur can translate popular sentiment into a victorious electoral challenge.
