Tomorrow, Thursday, July 17, 2025, marks a highly anticipated day in Kanungu District as voters head to the polls to choose their NRM flag bearers for both Woman Member of Parliament and directly elected Members of Parliament. All eyes are on the hotly contested race for Kinkizi East, currently held by Dr. Chris Baryomunsi. However, this time, the political tide appears to be shifting.
Initially expected to cruise to victory based on his incumbency and long-standing influence, Dr. Baryomunsi now finds himself facing unexpected resistance. His main challenger, Mr. Oscar Kasya, has emerged as a formidable contender, galvanizing support and disrupting the political calculus in ways few had foreseen.
Kasya’s appeal is not based on last-minute theatrics but on years of consistent grassroots presence. Since 2014, he has been rewarding academic excellence across Kinkizi East, often giving one million shillings to top-performing students at both O-Level and A-Level. This longstanding commitment has earned him widespread goodwill, particularly among families and youth.
While some initially dismissed him as a political lightweight, Kasya’s influence has steadily grown. His strong rapport with the boda boda community and young people has been crucial to his momentum. Key to this surge is his backing from influential grassroots groups, the Kaguta Yellow Youth (KYY), reportedly with over 20,000 members, and the Maama Kaguta Yellow Youth (MKYY), with an estimated 10,000 members. Such organized support cannot be ignored.
Described by many as humble and approachable, Kasya has cultivated a relatable leadership style that contrasts sharply with the more formal approach of his rival. His influence continues to expand beyond Kanungu, leading to speculation that a parliamentary win could position him for a future ministerial role.
While the race will not be won on a silver platter, Kasya heads into Thursday’s election with confidence, a strong support base, and a proven track record of youth and community engagement. Whatever the outcome, his campaign has already reshaped the political landscape of Kinkizi East, and his victory is beginning to feel inevitable.
Let us watch closely. This Thursday may well mark the beginning of a new chapter in Kanungu’s leadership.
