Former Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Executive Director, Francis Mashate Wanduyi, has officially announced his bid to contest for the Budadiri West Parliamentary seat in the 2026 election as an independent candidate.
Addressing journalists on Sunday at Dvvan Lounge in Sironko District, Mashate says he wants to rescue the constituency from incumbent MP Nathan Nandala Mafabi, who will be contesting for presiential position on the FDC ticket
“I am stepping forward to rescue the constituency from stagnation after the departure of current MP Nandala Mafabi,” Mashate said.
“I’m not looking for a job; I’have worked in government for 25 years. I’m here to build Budadiri West. With my experience, I’ll help SACCOS access development funds.”he stressed.
He pledged to lobby for better roads, push for municipal status, and champion government support for town councils.
“I will deliver a block vote from Greater Buyobo, and with support from Buwalasi and Bukulo, we shall win,” he vowed.
In a show of unity, Paul Wokou Maberi, a former NRM flag bearer aspirant in the primaries, officially handed over his campaign team and coordinators to Mashatte during the press event.
Wokou said, “We believe Francis Mashate, although rurunning as an independent, is an NRM member at heart and has the potential to win and serve the people effectively. For the love of Budadiri West and the NRM, we are backing a capable candidate who can deliver.”
Mashate, who hails from Sonoli in Buyobo Sub-county, boasts a deep résumé, having served at UBOS, the Ministry of Finance, and previously held the position of Prime Minister of Inzu Ya Masaba.
Several prominent local leaders, including those from rival political camps, have rallied behind Mashate.
Hajji Ayub Wanzira, a former FDC aspirant, revealed he was stepping down from the race due to irregularities within the opposition primaries, opting instead to back Mashate, a fellow Buyobo native.
Kanene Johnson, a former supporter of Hon. Nandala Mafabi and resident of Kama Town Council, also declared allegiance to Mashatte. “Now that Nandala is focusing on the presidency, I am backing Francis Mashatte,” he said.
Mashate’s entry into the Budadiri West race is seen as a game-changing move in the unfolding realignments ahead of the 2026 general elections.