By Tom Musira
John Banalya, isn’t really a strange name in the political history of Jinja district.
John Banalya, isn’t really a strange name in the political history of Jinja district.
Banalya is aspiring to be a member of parliament, riding on the People’s front for freedom party ticket, with intention to represent Jinja North in the 12th parliament.Jinja North is currently represented by Isabirye David Aga . The incumbent ,previously served as a journalist with the Busoga-one radio station, based in Jinja.For starters, PFF is a relatively new formation, born out of what has commonly been described as the FDC Katonga faction.
The new party is in a struggle to find political ground, through making inroads in various locations countrywide.Banalya initially belonged to the NRM, but later renounced membership with the ruling party.Banalya is a native and resident of Namulesa, a commercial centre located in the outskirts of Jinja city. He attended Kiira college Butiki, prior to university studies at Makerere university, and later at the southern New Hampshire university in the United States, where he undertook studies at Masters degree level.Banalya regards Hon.
Victoria sekitoleko as his mentor in the political game. Sekitoleko was once Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture , in the early years of the Museveni government, and is currently settled in retirement.Banalya closely worked with Sekitoleko, in efforts to mobilize youths for social development activities in Butembe county, back in the day.Banalya is a talented writer and a good orator . He is also famous, for being a skilled political mobilizer, besides the prowess in mastering the dynamics of statecraft.
He has launched his campaign through media- based engagements, and is expected to scale this up, through community- based interactions with voters, as the political season gains momentum. His frequent appearance on radio talk shows, offers him leverage in the attempt to reach out to voters.
It certainly aids his desire to explain his manifesto to a section of the electorate .Politicians dread the challenge of overspending, as one navigates through the political campaign. Banalya has so far relied on the trust and network of mutual friends to bankroll his campaign.
The journey is still long for Banalya, as he tussles it out with other contenders, in what is likely to be a crowded and competitive race for Jinja North. A good sense of resilience and focus are key factors that he will need in order to finish well and celebrate at the end.
