His Worship Bamu Lulenzi, the sitting Mayor of Iganga Municipality, missed out on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket to contest for Member of Parliament in Iganga Municipality Constituency in the forthcoming 2026 general elections. Despite being a staunch party mobilizer and one of the most visible NUP leaders in the Busoga subregion, Lulenzi did not make it through the party’s vetting process.
Instead, the party’s Election Management Committee handed the ticket to political newcomer Mudiobole Abel Nasser, a move that has ignited debate and mixed emotions among voters and NUP supporters in Iganga.
The Rise of Mayor Bamu Lulenzi
Mayor Bamu has for years been seen as an energetic and passionate leader whose loyalty to the NUP cause has never been in question. From mobilizing youth at the grassroots to championing opposition causes at the municipal level, his profile has grown beyond Iganga, making him a household name in the party’s mobilization machinery.
For many of his supporters, his parliamentary bid was a natural next step. They argue that he had the numbers, the influence, and the political drive to mount a serious challenge to the incumbent MP, Hon. Mugema Peter “Panadol.”
Yet, when the official list of NUP flag bearers was released, Lulenzi’s name was absent replaced by Abel Nasser.
The Freedom Square Factor
At the heart of this twist lies the long-standing Iganga Freedom Square controversy, an issue that has haunted several political leaders over the years.
Freedom Square, a public space in Iganga town, has been the subject of wrangles and petitions over its alleged sale and planned “development.” While the saga dates back to previous administrations, critics accuse Mayor Lulenzi of mishandling the matter during his tenure. Instead of standing firmly with the public to resist any attempts at altering the square’s status, his administration was perceived as playing “both sides,” further fueling suspicion.
One resident of Igamba Ward, Northern Division, told MGD Media that this single issue may have cost him the NUP ticket.
“The Freedom Square issue seemed small at first, but it became a big political weapon. Whoever wanted to fail Mayor Bamu could easily use it against him. Even if he wasn’t the originator, his position on it raised questions of trust,” the resident said.
Several petitions challenging the alleged sale or development of the square reached court, and though Lulenzi reportedly spent personal resources to defend himself, the perception stuck: that he had failed to protect a public space dear to the people of Iganga.
Supporters Cry Foul
Supporters of Mayor Lulenzi have not hidden their disappointment. Many believe he has been unfairly treated, pointing out his loyalty to NUP and his relentless energy in building the party in the region.
“If you have been following his worship, his actions, his love and passion for NUP he was the right choice,” said another voter. “He commands the youth and has grassroots support. Giving the ticket to someone who has just joined NUP, like Mudiobole, is unfair to us who have walked with Bamu for years.”
Some locals suspect that powerful political players in Iganga worked behind the scenes to ensure Lulenzi’s downfall. They argue that incumbent MP Mugema Peter “Panadol,” who has long opposed the Freedom Square deal, may have gained political mileage from the controversy. Others even jokingly credit Mugema’s survival skills to “witchcraft,” saying he has a way of confusing opponents and maintaining his seat.
NUP’s Calculated Move?
From the party’s perspective, the decision could be seen as a pragmatic move to field a “clean” candidate without political baggage. The Freedom Square controversy has been politically toxic, and insiders suggest the NUP vetting team was unwilling to risk a candidate who might face credibility attacks from both within and outside the party.
Still, for many Iganga voters, Mayor Lulenzi’s absence from the ballot will be deeply felt. His blend of charisma, grassroots mobilization, and strong NUP identity made him a natural contender.
What Next for Mayor Bamu?
The mayor’s political future now hangs in uncertainty. Will he rally behind Mudiobole Abel Nasser for the sake of party unity? Or will he explore alternative avenues to sustain his political career? Some speculate he could even consider running as an independent candidate, though this would place him at odds with the NUP establishment he has loyally served.
For now, Lulenzi has remained silent, with close allies saying he is “consulting and reflecting” on the way forward. But in Iganga’s charged political environment, his every move will be closely watched.
One thing remains clear, the Freedom Square saga, dismissed by some as a minor issue years ago, has become the defining factor in the mayor’s political journey a reminder of how unresolved public concerns can make or break a political career.
