With political temperatures rising in the race for the Central Youth Member of Parliament seat, an online poll conducted by UG Diplomat has shown Louis Kimuli enjoying an early lead over his main rival, Samuel Begira.
The poll, which was published on UG Diplomat’s WhatsApp channel, asked followers to vote on who they believe will “carry the day” in what is shaping up to be a two-horse race.
As of the latest update, Kimuli had secured 90 votes, while Begira trailed with 49.
This snapshot of public opinion comes just weeks after Kimuli and Begira were formally nominated by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairman, Dr. Tanga Odoi, solidifying his position as one of the frontrunners in the party primaries.
The online momentum suggests growing support for Kimuli’s message of youth empowerment and loyalty to the NRM ideology.
His pledge to champion access to government programs like the Youth Livelihood Programme and the Parish Development Model appears to be resonating with young voters.
“This early lead is humbling. It shows that the youth believe in our vision for a transformed and self-reliant generation,” Kimuli told UG Diplomat when asked about the poll results.
Samuel Begira, who is also a strong contender in the race, has yet to publicly respond to the poll, but his supporters argue that digital popularity doesn’t always reflect grassroots support.
They maintain that Begira’s strength lies in his direct community engagement and established networks in the districts of Central Uganda.
Political analysts say such polls, while not scientifically conclusive, are useful indicators of candidate visibility and public interest, especially among tech-savvy young voters.
As the NRM primary campaigns intensify, all eyes will remain on both Kimuli and Begira to see who can maintain momentum and convert popularity into actual votes.
