Hoima City Woman MP Nyakato Asinansi Vows to Triumph in 2026 Elections

Hoima, 26th April 2025

Hoima City Woman MP, Hon. Nyakato Asinansi, popularly known as “Mama Oil City,” has vowed to defeat all her opponents as the country heads towards the 2026 general elections.

Nyakato, who was elected in 2021 on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket, is yet to announce her official political platform for the coming elections. She left FDC alongside a team led by opposition stalwarts Rt. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye and Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago to form the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF). However, the PFF’s registration remains pending before the Electoral Commission. Sources close to her indicate she is likely to contest as an independent, leveraging her growing grassroots support.

Over the past few years, Nyakato has solidified her position as a formidable force in Hoima through relentless mobilisation efforts. Notably, her recently concluded “Mama Oil City Women’s Football Tournament,” held on Easter Sunday, drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters and featured performances from top local and national artists, further cementing her popularity.

In the Bunyoro sub-region, Nyakato stands out as the most vocal opposition legislator, advocating for critical issues like the establishment of Bunyoro Public University, fair access to oil and gas opportunities, and compensation for displaced persons affected by oil projects. Her courageous advocacy has, however, made her a target of political harassment, reportedly orchestrated by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who also hails from Bunyoro.

Nyakato Asinansi making a presentation in Parliament recently

In an apparent attempt to weaken her stronghold, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has been fronting candidates to challenge her, notably Mugenyi Diana, known as “Princess,” who recently returned from the United Kingdom. Despite efforts to build Diana’s profile, Nyakato’s unwavering presence and relentless community engagement have kept her firmly rooted among the electorate. Previously, NRM had considered fielding Minister Mary Mugasa, the former Hoima Municipality Mayor, but abandoned the plan after internal assessments showed Nyakato’s enduring strength.

Sources also reveal that the state is allegedly sponsoring several “opposition” candidates to split the anti-NRM vote. Among these are Asimwe Grace from the Democratic Party — a party currently allied with the NRM — and Kugonza Bridget from the National Unity Platform. However, observers note that Nyakato’s unmatched loyalty to the opposition cause, especially her strong ties with the National Unity Platform (NUP), makes her a difficult candidate to unseat. As a result many look at Bridget the NUP candidate as a spoiler who has been sponsored by NRM

Nyakato Asinansi campaigning for Nalukoola of NUP during Kawempe elections

Nyakato has consistently worked alongside NUP, serving as the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, and previously as Shadow Minister for Energy and Mineral Development. She has been active in several critical by-elections, including the Kawempe North, Kayunga District, and Hoima District races, always rallying support for opposition candidates. Her collaboration with NUP and vocal advocacy in Parliament make any opposition against her from NUP sympathizers not only counterproductive but also self-defeating.

Meanwhile, the NRM itself is grappling with internal divisions. Three candidates — Sylvia Nalumaga (Deputy Mayor, Hoima City), Mugenyi Diana, and Juliet Kabasindi (whom Nyakato defeated in 2021) — are set to battle for the party flag. The split is expected to weaken the NRM’s position, to Nyakato’s advantage.

Nyakato’s track record speaks for itself. Under her tenure, Hoima has witnessed significant developments, including the establishment of a regional blood bank, a new intensive care unit building, a stadium, and a modern city abattoir — achievements largely attributed to her tireless efforts.

Highlighting her accomplishments, Nyakato listed a number of issues, “Within my first six months in office, I secured UGX 10 billion to pay long-suffering tobacco farmers owed by Nimatac and Continental Tobacco companies. I have constructed over 20 boreholes, built 7 mosques with boreholes, repaired numerous water points, provided brick-laying machines and farming tools to various groups, and sponsored over 100 youths for skills training at Buhimba Technical Institute”, said Nyakato Asinansi.

Community leaders and voters alike are full of praise for her. “She is our best. Nyakato is not just a city MP; she is a regional leader,” said Mugenyi, a respected elder. Francis Amooti, a Hoima voter, added, “I keenly follow parliamentary debates. Nyakato is the most vocal and impactful legislator Bunyoro has ever had. My vote is firmly with her.” Another local business man insisted that they support Nyakato not because of her party but her character as a leader, “we support Nyakato as a person not because of her party. We shall support Nyakato for MP because she speaks for Bunyoro and then we will vote Museveni for President because he brought us peace” said Kaahwa a local trader in Hoima City

As 2026 approaches, Hon. Nyakato Asinansi stands tall, not just as a candidate, but as a symbol of hope, development, and unwavering resistance for the people of Hoima and the greater Bunyoro region.