“Museveni has been speaking about democracy, but where is that democracy he speaks of if he can't tolerate those who criticise his government? What is happening in villages undermines the same democracy he talks about,” Ssenyonyi said.
The competition aims to encourage every Ugandan to confidently sing the National Anthem while promoting the use of Kiswahili and increasing appreciation of the East African Community anthem as Uganda advances regional integration.
Beyond the island district itself, the Kalangala by-election is increasingly being viewed as an early political temperature test between the ruling NRM and the opposition NUP following the 2026 general elections. With sympathy, legacy politics, and party dominance all colliding in one race, the outcome could carry significance far beyond the shores of Ssese Islands.