Nubian Li declared Nakawa Division mayor after tense, delayed vote count

• Nubian Li wins Nakawa Division Mayoral seat, defeating incumbent Paul Mugambe and NRM’s Susan Zawedde.

• Delayed tallying raised concerns among NUP supporters over possible electoral irregularities.

• Victory strengthens NUP’s influence and highlights the continued rise of entertainers in Ugandan politics.

Singer-turned-politician Buken Ali, popularly known as Nubian Li, has officially been declared the winner of the Nakawa Division Mayoral race, marking a major political victory for the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Nubian Li, a close associate of NUP President Bobi Wine, had been awaiting official declaration following a prolonged and tense tallying process that raised concerns among his supporters. From early on, all indicators pointed to him as the frontrunner in the race.

He contested against the incumbent mayor Paul Mugambe, who ran as an independent, and Susan Zawedde of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Despite the competition, Nubian Li emerged victorious after securing significant grassroots support across the division.

Taking to his social media platforms, Nubian Li confirmed the development, announcing that he had finally been declared mayor after days of uncertainty. His endorsement as the NUP flag bearer had earlier stirred debate, especially after Mugambe chose to break ranks and contest independently.

The electoral process was reportedly marred by several irregularities, with Nubian Li’s team and NUP agents raising complaints over delays during the tallying phase, which stretched over several days. Supporters expressed fears that their anticipated victory could be undermined, citing alleged similar incidents in other parts of the country.

With the declaration now complete, attention shifts to what Nubian Li will deliver as mayor and how he plans to transform Nakawa Division. His win further cements the growing influence of figures from the entertainment industry within Bobi Wine’s political movement, continuing a trend of artists successfully transitioning into elective leadership.