AFTER 7 MONTHS AS KASAMA MAYOR, UPND’S BYWELL SIMPOSYA LOSES SEAT TO NRPUP’S PETER YUDA

The political landscape in Northern Province has experienced a dramatic shift following the declaration of the Kasama Mayoral election results, which saw the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) lose the seat to the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP). NRPUP candidate Peter Yuda clinched the mayoral office in a commanding fashion, defeating the incumbent Mayor Bywell Simposya of the UPND. According to official figures released by Kasama District Electoral Officer John Mwanza, Yuda amassed a resounding 54,269 votes, vastly outstripping Simposya, who managed to poll 16,588 votes. This fierce contest marks a swift reversal of fortunes for Simposya, who had initially captured the seat only seven months prior during a hotly contested January by-election triggered by the vacancy of the office. Back in January, Simposya secured victory with 17,647 votes narrowly edging out Yuda—who contested under a different political banner at the time. However, the dynamics of the recent general and local government elections proved vastly different, as broader political currents and shifting local alliances galvanized a massive turnout for Yuda and the NRPUP across Kasama Central and Lukashya constituencies. Electoral officials praised the conduct of the electorate throughout the district, noting that the voting process proceeded smoothly without any major reports of civil unrest or violence. Mr. Mwanza commended political stakeholders and security wings for maintaining law and order during the tallying process. The peaceful conclusion of the polls has been welcomed by local civic leaders, who emphasized the importance of democratic stability and community cooperation as the municipality prepares for a new leadership transition. The defeat serves as a notable setback for the ruling party in Northern Province, a region historically viewed as an opposition stronghold where governing parties continuously fight to secure a firm footing. Politica