16 Candidates Nominated on First Day of MP Nominations in Rukungiri District.

Rukungiri – A total of sixteen candidates have been nominated to contest as Members of Parliament for various constituencies in Rukungiri District on the first day of the Electoral Commission’s nationwide nomination exercise.

The exercise, presided over by Rukungiri District Returning Officer Abas K. Namara, took place at the district tally center in Rukungiri Town. It began at 9:00 a.m. on October 22 and ran smoothly throughout the day.

According to Namara, sixteen candidates were successfully nominated, including one from the National Unity Platform (NUP), two from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), two from the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), one from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and the rest as independents. He added that campaigns will officially commence on November 10, 2025.

The Minister of Security and incumbent Rujumbura County MP, Rtd. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, was the first to be nominated on the NRM ticket. He was accompanied by his former rivals Rodgers Kwesiga, Frank Arineitwe Rukanirwa, and Ambrose Kibuka, who withdrew their independent bids to support him. Muhwezi pledged to focus on implementing the NRM manifesto, emphasizing Uganda’s transition to middle-income status, social and economic transformation, and national security.

Independent candidate Dr. Wallen Niwagaba Tumwine was nominated for Rukungiri Municipality. He promised to improve healthcare, education, electricity access, and garbage collection, saying the municipality needs a young and vibrant leader.

Fred Turyamuhweza Tumuheirwe, contesting on the PFF ticket for Rujumbura County, criticized poor service delivery and urged voters to retire the incumbent, pledging to transform the area within three years if elected.

David Tushabomwe Ndindirize, an independent candidate for Rubabo County, vowed to fight poverty and improve education and social welfare. His fellow Rubabo contestant, Allan Nabaasa Tiberondwa of FDC, said the area needs a stronger voice in Parliament to effectively lobby for services.

Herbert Magezi, another independent candidate for Rujumbura County, highlighted challenges such as inadequate clean water and poor electricity coverage, especially in Bugangari, Bwambara, and Ruhinda sub-counties. He pledged to support farmers and cooperatives.

PFF candidate Betty Bamukwasa Muzanira was nominated for Rukungiri District Woman MP. She vowed to champion women’s rights, fight maternal and child mortality, and advocate for road equipment to be decentralized to sub-counties.

Independent candidate John Paddy Owomugisha, also vying for Rujumbura County, promised to create job opportunities and scholarships for underprivileged students. Another independent, Richard Akanyijuka, running for Rukungiri Municipality, promised to modernize the town with better street lighting and garbage management. He accused the government of failing to deliver reliable services over the past 40 years, saying the area needs dependable leadership.

NUP’s Hillary Tumuhimbise Tusiime was nominated for Rujumbura County, calling for political change and improved health and education services. Independent candidate Alex Bob Rugonde, contesting for Rubabo County, said he rejoined the race after being “cheated” in the NRM primaries and vowed to promote coffee and banana growing to increase household incomes.

Another independent, Simon Niwagaba, also seeking the Rujumbura seat, pledged to focus on agriculture, health, and education.

The incumbent Woman MP, Medius Natukunda Kaharata, was nominated as an independent and pledged to continue delivering services to the people of Rukungiri. FDC’s Christine Tusanyuke, also contesting for District Woman MP, promised to amplify women’s voices in Parliament.

Independent candidate Anacklet Amanya, running for Rujumbura County, vowed to bridge the gap between government and citizens. The day’s nominations concluded with Gerald Karenzi Kooli, another independent for Rujumbura, who promised to be “the voice of the voiceless” and to advocate for improvements in education and health sectors.

By the end of the day, sixteen candidates had been successfully nominated in Rukungiri District, marking an energetic start to the 2026 general election race.