Former MP Kassiano Wadri Vows to ‘Fix the Broken Parliament’ as He Targets Arua Seat in 2026

Arua, Uganda – Former Arua Municipality MP Kassiano Wadri has declared his intention to contest for the parliamentary seat in 2026, vowing to restore integrity and purpose to Uganda’s Parliament. 

Despite losing to Jackson Atima in the 2021 general elections, Wadri insists that his political mission remains unfinished.While speaking in Hoima recently, Wadri criticized the current state of Uganda’s Parliament, arguing that it has deviated from its core responsibilities. 

According to him, many MPs prioritize personal interests over the welfare of their constituents, leading to ineffective governance. He pledged to return and champion reforms that would restore Parliament’s credibility.

Wadri first won the Arua Municipality seat in a heated by-election in 2018. 

The election followed the tragic assassination of then-MP Ibrahim Abiriga, a staunch supporter of President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). 

The campaign period was marred by violence, mass arrests, and allegations of state repression against opposition figures.

During this period, Wadri received strong backing from the People Power movement led by Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. His victory was seen as a significant blow to the ruling establishment. 

However, shortly after winning the seat, he aligned himself with the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), a party advocating for democratic reforms in Uganda’s political landscape.In the 2021 elections, Wadri was defeated by Jackson Atima, who ran under the NRM ticket. 

Despite the loss, he remained politically active and continued advocating for good governance and accountability.

Wadri’s latest declaration to return to Parliament comes amid growing concerns over the state of Uganda’s legislative body. He claims that debates in Parliament have lost direction, with many legislators focusing on personal enrichment rather than addressing the needs of ordinary Ugandans.

“Our Parliament is broken. It has lost its purpose. The voices of the people are no longer being heard, and many leaders have abandoned their duty,” Wadri stated.

He emphasized the need for independent voices in Parliament to counter what he describes as a culture of complacency and political patronage.

As the 2026 elections approach, Wadri’s return to the political arena is expected to spark a highly contested race in Arua Municipality. 

Given his history of mobilizing opposition support, his candidacy could reignite political debates in the region.

It remains to be seen how voters in Arua will respond to his comeback bid. 

Will they grant him another term to fix what he calls a "broken Parliament," or will they opt for new leadership? As the election season draws closer, the political landscape in Arua is set for yet another intense showdown.