By Brian Keitira
In a dramatic political shift, Kazo constituency appears to be gravitating towards Balam Tabamuzigu, popularly known as Kantu, as the most credible contender to unseat incumbent legislator Dan Kimosho in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.
This development follows mounting discontent with Kimosho’s style of leadership, which critics increasingly describe as imperious and disconnected from the electorate’s aspirations. The MP has been accused of stoking internal rifts by allegedly sponsoring rival candidates against official NRM flag bearers, a strategy that observers argue fosters factionalism and weakens the ruling party’s cohesion at both constituency and district levels.
Against this backdrop, Kantu has emerged as a fresh political force, with many hailing him as a unifier capable of galvanizing disparate camps under one vision. His momentum is underscored by his impressive performance in the recent NRM primaries, where he polled 11,349 votes within a short campaign period, against Kimosho’s 29,374. The gap, though still considerable, is narrowing at a pace that suggests a real contest in 2026.
Other contenders in the primaries—Amanya Warren, Godius Tumwine, and Twesigye Wyclife—collectively amassed 7,526 votes. Significantly, they have indicated readiness to rally behind Kantu in the broader struggle to dislodge Kimosho, a coalition that could dramatically tilt the arithmetic in the opposition camp’s favour.
However, the primary exercise was not without controversy. Allegations of vote-buying, voter intimidation, and widespread apathy cast a long shadow over the credibility of the process. Many residents abstained altogether, citing mistrust in the fairness of the electoral machinery. This leaves open the question of whether Kimosho’s present numerical lead will translate into actual dominance in the 2026 polls.
As the clock ticks towards the elections, Kazo finds itself at a political crossroads. Will Balam Kantu consolidate the growing anti-Kimosho sentiment and present himself as the people’s alternative, or will the incumbent’s entrenched networks and incumbency advantage blunt the rising tide?
What remains certain is that the constituency yearns for a leader who will restore unity, mend fractured alliances, and prioritize service delivery over political brinkmanship. The next year will be decisive—either affirming continuity under Kimosho or ushering in a new era under Kantu.
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