Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality —
Panic and desperation have gripped the Basajabalaba political camp after young entrepreneur Tukundane Casbart officially joined the race for Member of Parliament, Bushenyi- Ishaka Municipality sending shockwaves through the once-dominant dynasty.
Just a week after the Electoral Commission closed nominations for parliamentary candidates, embattled tycoon Hassan Basajabalaba has hurriedly rolled out a long-forgotten campaign pledge — donating one cow per village — in what many locals are calling a panic reaction to Casbart’s fast-rising popularity.
The senior Basajabalaba, whose family has for years enjoyed political and economic dominance in Bushenyi, made the pledge during the last NRM primaries while campaigning for his son, Iddi Basajabalaba, but conveniently shelved it after the elections.
Now, faced with a youthful challenger whose message of self-reliance, integrity, and generational change is catching fire across the municipality, the tycoon appears to be scrambling to save his son’s dwindling support.
“We shall take the cows and roast the meat, but we shall vote for Casbart,” one resident of Nyamiko told reporters amid laughter.
“We are tired of people who think we are for sale. This time, our votes are not on the market,” another added.
Desperate Damage Control
According to sources close to the family, the release of the 78 cows—one for each village in Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality—was not scheduled. It was allegedly pushed forward after several intelligence reports warned that Casbart’s campaign was gaining unstoppable grassroots momentum, especially among the youth, business community, and educated elites.
“Basajabalaba’s team is in panic. They thought they could control Bushenyi with money and cows, but the people have moved on,” said a local NRM insider who preferred anonymity. “Casbart is young, energetic, relatable, and above all, clean. The people see him as their son, not their boss.”
The End of Political Entitlement
For decades, the Basajabalaba family has been synonymous with money and political influence in Bushenyi. But the tide appears to be turning. Locals now say they are fed up with family politics, broken promises, and leaders who only remember them during elections.
“Bushenyi is a district of elites, not beggars,” said a university lecturer from Ishaka. “We are not hungry for cows. We are hungry for change, and Tukundane Casbart represents that change.”
Casbart: The New Face of Hope
Casbart’s entry into the race has reawakened political interest in Bushenyi–Ishaka. His message of accountability, service delivery, and youth empowerment is resonating across all divides — something the Basajabalaba camp never anticipated.
Observers say his campaign could mark the beginning of the end for political dynasties that have treated public office as personal property.
As one local elder put it bluntly:
“We have eaten enough of their cows and lies. This time, our vote will speak louder than their money.”