Patrick Kiconco Katabazi is more than just a seasoned economist; he’s a man on a mission to overhaul Rukiga County’s future. With a wealth of expertise in economics, law, and project development, Katabazi is stepping into the political arena, driven by a long-standing desire to serve his community.
As he eyes the Rukiga County MP seat in the 2026 elections, Katabazi is determined to bring the kind of leadership that can spark tangible, lasting change—moving beyond the politics of money and division to focus on what truly matters for his people.
Born in 1980 in Nyangorongoro village, Rwamucucu Sub-county, Rukiga District, Katabazi comes from a family deeply rooted in the community.
His educational journey began at Kihanga Boys School, followed by Kigezi High School for his O and A levels.
He later attended Makerere University, where he obtained a Bachelor's in Economics.
His passion for learning didn’t stop there, and he went on to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Development and Planning from Uganda Christian University, a Bachelor’s in Law from Makerere University, and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre.
Further, Katabazi holds several professional training certificates in areas such as financial programming and fiscal law, obtained through international institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the Economic Policy Research Institute in South Africa.
Katabazi’s professional career has been marked by his extensive experience in both economics and governance.
He started as the coordinator for the Youth Economic Empowerment Project at the Uganda Cooperative Alliance, before moving to the Parliamentary Budget Office, where he worked for eight years.
During his time in public service, Katabazi honed his understanding of Uganda’s economic policies, budgetary frameworks, and fiscal challenges, giving him a unique vantage point on the nation’s developmental needs.
It’s this wealth of experience that Katabazi now aims to channel into political leadership. His decision to run for the Rukiga County MP seat is not a sudden move, but rather the culmination of years spent in leadership roles.
“I have always been a leader,” he reflects, citing his time as class monitor, health captain, and head of various clubs during his school and university days.
Katabazi also served as the chairman of the Rukiga Students Association, which further fuelled his desire to make a meaningful impact in his community.
As he eyes the 2026 elections, Katabazi is driven by a vision of transforming Rukiga County into a more prosperous and well-served region.
He believes that holding the position of MP offers the opportunity to bring about substantial changes, both in policy and service delivery.
“In politics, you have the chance to change society in a meaningful way,” he asserts, stressing that his main focus is on addressing key developmental issues for his people.
However, the path to political office is not without its challenges. Katabazi acknowledges the complexities and costs associated with running for office in Uganda.
“Politics is a costly game,” he admits, noting the prejudice and difficulties candidates often face.
He also highlights the unpredictable nature of party politics and the divisions it can cause, especially when parties don’t have clear or unified agendas.
Despite these hurdles, Katabazi remains undeterred, focusing on building a strong, disciplined team and calling on the people of Rukiga to protect their votes.
“If their vote doesn’t count, it’s not just me who loses; it’s them who lose out on the opportunities I bring,” he says.
Katabazi is acutely aware of Rukiga County’s development gaps, especially in comparison to neighbouring Rubanda District.
“Rubanda seems to be ahead of Rukiga in terms of service delivery,” he notes, pointing out that Rubanda’s political leadership—such as the presence of a Minister of Finance—has helped them secure better services and development.
He believes that Rukiga’s lack of similar leadership has contributed to its lagging development and is committed to changing that if elected.
With his background in economics, Katabazi sees himself as well-positioned to advocate for Rukiga’s fair share of resources and to push for better policy frameworks at the national level.
“For us to get services closer to the people of Rukiga, the quality of leadership matters,” he argues, explaining that his expertise in economics and law can bring a strategic approach to resource allocation and project planning.
As the 2026 election approaches, Katabazi warns that money and religion will play a significant role in shaping Kigezi’s political landscape.
He believes that the influence of money in campaigns can undermine democracy, and he calls for stricter regulation to address this.
“Money in politics is a real concern, and we need the president to take a stand against those who use religion for political gain,” he says.
He stresses that these challenges must be tackled head-on to ensure free and fair elections that prioritize the needs of the people.
Katabazi’s message to the people of Rukiga is clear: focus on leaders who are genuinely committed to social and economic transformation.
“The people you see today will be the same people you see in office,” he says, urging voters to look beyond the promises and focus on candidates with the track record and vision to deliver on their commitments.
He remains hopeful that, with the right leadership, Rukiga and the wider Kigezi region can make strides toward economic development and poverty alleviation.
In the upcoming election, Katabazi will face tough competition from incumbent Roland Ndyomugyenyi, who is running as an independent, as well as Alex Kanunga.
However, with his experience, vision, and unwavering dedication to his community, Katabazi is confident that he has what it takes to secure the support of Rukiga voters and bring about the change they deserve.