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

Rukungiri: A total of 16 candidates have been duly 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 the Rukungiri District Returning Officer Abas K. Namara, took place at the district tally center in Rukungiri Town and began at 9:00 a.m. this morning October 22.

According to Namara, a total of 16 candidates were successfully nominated, 1 on the NUP ticket, 2 on FDC, 2 on PFF, 1 on NRM, and the rest as independents. He also revealed that campaigns will officially begin on November 10, 2025.

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The Minister of Security and incumbent Rujumbura County MP, Rtd. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, was the first to be nominated at 9:40 a.m. 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.

After his nomination, Minister Muhwezi pledged to focus on implementing the NRM manifesto, emphasizing Uganda’s transition to middle-income status, social and economic transformation, and national security.

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At 10:00 a.m., Dr. Wallen Niwagaba Tumwine, an independent candidate for Rukungiri Municipality, was nominated. He promised to improve healthcare, education, electricity access, and garbage collection, saying the municipality needs “a young and vibrant leader.”

At 10:18 a.m., 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.

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At 10:38 a.m., David Tushabomwe Ndindirize, an independent candidate for Rubabo County, vowed to fight poverty and improve education and social welfare.

At 10:49 a.m., Allan Nabaasa Tiberondwa of FDC for Rubabo County said the area needs a stronger voice in Parliament to effectively lobby for services.

At 10:59 a.m., 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, pledging to support farmers and cooperatives.

At 11:07 a.m., Betty Bamukwasa Muzanira, the PFF candidate for Rukungiri Woman MP, was nominated. She vowed to champion women’s rights, fight maternal and child mortality, and push for road equipment decentralization to Sub-Counties.

At 11:23 a.m., John Paddy Owomugisha, an independent candidate for Rujumbura County, promised to create job opportunities and scholarships for underprivileged students.

At 11:34 a.m., Richard Akanyijuka, an independent candidate for Rukungiri Municipality, promised to modernize the municipality with improved street lighting and garbage management. He accused the government of failing to deliver reliable services over the past 40 years, saying the area needs a dependable leader.

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At 12:26 p.m., Hillary Tumuhimbise Tusiime of the NUP party was nominated for Rujumbura County. He called for political change, citing poor health services, lack of drugs in hospitals, and weak education standards.

At 12:35 p.m., Alex Bob Rugonde, an independent candidate for Rubabo County, said he rejoined the race seeking justice after being “cheated” in the NRM primaries. He vowed to champion coffee and banana planting to increase house hold income in the communities.

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At 12:45 p.m., Simon Niwagaba, another independent for Rujumbura County, was nominated and pledged to focus on agriculture, health, and education.

At 2:22 p.m., the incumbent Woman MP for Rukungiri District, Medius Natukunda Kaharata, was nominated as an independent. She pledged to continue delivering services to communities and appealed for public support.

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At 2:47 p.m., Christine Tusanyuke of FDC, contesting for District Woman MP, was nominated and pledged to amplify women’s voices in Parliament.

At 3:07 p.m., Anacklet Amanya, an independent for Rujumbura, vowed to bridge the gap between government and citizens.

The day’s nominations concluded at 3:47 p.m. with Gerald Karenzi Kooli, an independent candidate for Rujumbura County, who promised to be “the voice of the voiceless,” citing poor conditions in education and health sectors.