Peter Kasolo commonly known for his stage name, “uncle Kasolo,” in the Swengere family comedy crew, has surprised many on his election as the new Mayor Jinja City.
Kasolo, a member of the National Unity Platform-NUP party defeated nine contestants who include Forum for Democratic Change’s-FDC Frank Nabwiso.
Kasolo is one of the leading actors in the one minute Lusoga comedy skit which are telecast on Bukedde TV daily. The comedy crew also entertains guests at introduction ceremonies and other related events.
Kasolo who is also a co-host of the morning show at Jinja based Babafm became famous throughout Busoga sub-region when he started promoting the People Power movement since 2019.
His election for the city’s biggest office has enlisted mixed reactions over whether he will manage to differentiate between the roles of “uncle Kasolo,” from those of City Mayor which carries the burden of serving several people from diverse spectrum of society.
John Tusingwire, a businessman argues that Jinja City deserved a pioneer Mayor who is politically experienced who will lay a firm leadership foundation for his future predecessors.
“Although democracy demands us to go by the majority, I think our city deserved leaders with great political experience to nature a firm foundation which will guide other generations,” he says.
Brenda Naikoba, a teacher says that leaders are made and members of the public should freely elect people of great substance with the requisite wisdom to foster good governance.
“Gone are the days when leaders were selected basing on their social status, and I think that’s why the people of Jinja chose Kasolo, a renowned comedian to spearhead political leadership at the city hall,” she says.
Titus Kisambira, the Jinja LCV Chairperson says that, if Kasolo managed to convince thousands of city dwellers to cast their ballots in his favour and ignore his other contenders who had wide political experience, he can design programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of his supporters.
However, Kasolo says that his popularity within the city is as a result from his comedy roles therefore, he will seek guidance from the different stakeholders on how best to juggle both the leadership and comedy roles to effectively serve the electorates’ interests without fear.
