The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija who doubles as Member of Parliament for Buyanja county in
Kibaale district is seeking re-election as MP, saying that the next term will be his last in Parliament.
Kasaija who is 81 years old is one of the longest serving lawmakers and members of cabinet.
He, on Wednesday picked nomination forms from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) electoral commission offices in Kampala to
contest for the party flag ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking to reporters shortly after picking nomination papers, Kasaija was asked why he does not consider leaving the race for young people.
In response, the finance minister challenged young people to stand against, and he beat them “hands down.”
“Let the youth contest against me and I beat them hands down. Next term, I will leave it for them. This is my last term,” he says.
Kasaija added that he is the strongest of all the contenders in the race.
“When I look at all my opponents, I don’t see anyone who can defeat me.”
Other officials who picked the nomination form to contest for the NRM include Enos Asiimwe, Aine Sodo Kaguta, Hanifa Kawooya, Henry Musasizi, Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua.
Obua said that the NRM walks the talk in promoting democratic principles in Uganda.
Second Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali, 86, also picked nomination forms to show his interest in representing East Moyo County in Parliament for another term.
Ali, who served in Idi Amin’s reign as Finance Minister, has served as the area MP since 2011.
The NRM party primaries for all MP aspirants are scheduled to take place on July 16, 2025
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