By Eye Media | Mukono | July 15, 2026
A Local Council One (LC1) election in Mukono District has taken a dramatic twist after a long-serving village chairman publicly denied that the man seeking to unseat him is his biological son.
The unusual political and family feud is unfolding in Bubiro Village, Nakifuma-Naggalama Town Council, where National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Reagan Ssembajjwe, 30, is challenging incumbent chairperson Fred Musisi, 70, who is seeking another term in office.
Ssembajjwe has openly identified Musisi as his biological father and says it is time for a new generation of leadership to take over the village.
The former youth councillor accuses the current leadership of poor governance and claims controversial land transactions under Musisi’s tenure have sparked disputes among residents.
He has also criticised the administration for failing to secure basic community assets such as tents, saucepans and plates for public functions.
According to Ssembajjwe, official village meetings are still being held at the chairperson’s home instead of a neutral public office.
If elected, he says he will prioritise transparency, accountability and improved management of village affairs.
However, Musisi has dismissed the accusations as politically motivated and used the campaign period to challenge one of his rival’s most personal claims.
“He is not my biological son,” Musisi reportedly said.
The veteran leader said Ssembajjwe came to his home as a casual labourer at the age of 10 and was later raised under his care, but insisted there is no biological relationship between them.
Musisi also rejected claims that he has ruled the village for more than four decades, maintaining that he has served as LC1 chairperson for only 20 years.
The incumbent further questioned Ssembajjwe’s eligibility to contest for the seat, alleging that the challenger is not a resident of Bubiro Village.
The race has since reshaped the local political landscape, with several opposition aspirants reportedly withdrawing from the contest and endorsing Ssembajjwe to avoid splitting the opposition vote.
According to NUP officials, the decision followed mediation by Nakifuma chief mobiliser Bernard Ssempaka, who urged party members to unite behind a single candidate.
The claims and counterclaims by the two candidates could not be independently verified by Eye Media.
As campaigning intensifies, the Bubiro LC1 race has become one of Mukono District’s most talked-about grassroots contests, pitting a bitter family dispute against a battle for political leadership.
