Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality, has accepted his defeat in the January 15, 2026, parliamentary polls.

National Unity Platform (NUP) aspirant George Musisi claimed the seat, bringing an end to Ssemujju’s extended tenure in the constituency.

During his appearance on NBS Morning Breeze on Monday, Ssemujju described his own loss as fair and valid. However, he voiced worries over alleged extensive malpractices that impacted numerous other opposition contenders nationwide.

He noted, “In my area, opposition supporters were rejoicing over the ousting of an opposition figure rather than an NRM one,” highlighting divisions and internal challenges plaguing the opposition.

Provisional figures from the elections reveal a notable drop in opposition strength in the legislature, declining from 106 MPs in the outgoing Parliament to roughly 78 in the incoming one.

Ssemujju lamented the absence of several seasoned parliamentarians who did not secure re-election, stressing that the House would miss their expertise and depth.

“The voters in Kira Municipality granted me 15 years of service in Parliament. Perhaps they believe the moment has come for me to move on,” he remarked.

Even after the setback, Ssemujju affirmed his ongoing dedication to political engagement and the wider push for democratic change, now from beyond the parliamentary arena.

“I intend to keep playing my part in the fight for liberty, though this time from outside Parliament,” he stated.

He partly blamed the opposition’s difficulties on inherent structural flaws, especially within emerging political groups.

“As a fresh party, PFF, we entered the race with our leader behind bars, limited resources, and the PFF head operating largely alone,” he explained, alluding to People’s Front for Freedon chief Kizza Besigye.

Musisi’s triumph signals a major shift in Kira Municipality’s political landscape, where Ssemujju had long enjoyed solid backing.

Former strongholds for Ssemujju, such as Kirinya and Kasokoso, saw robust support swing toward Musisi. Musisi’s strategy emphasized ground-level organizing, including house-to-house canvassing, intimate local gatherings, and personal voter connections.

Observers credit his approachable demeanor and low-key approach—particularly his focus on engaging women—as key to expanding his voter base.

Certain locals mentioned Ssemujju’s reduced visibility in the area in recent times, along with impressions of increasing aloofness, as elements in his downfall.Others referenced weariness among voters after his 15-year stint, suggesting a desire for fresh leadership.

Ssemujju originally captured the then-new Kira Municipality constituency in 2016, winning over 70% of the ballots and outpacing NRM hopeful Juliet Najjuma by roughly 30,000 votes.

In 2021, he withstood the National Unity Platform surge, beating NUP’s Ji Lukwago by about 28,000 votes.The 2026 contest delivered a clear turnaround, as Musisi won decisively, reflecting evolving voter sentiments in the area.