Harriet Tibulihwa Ssale has been nominated as an Independent candidate for Woman Member of Parliament for Kakumiro District ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The nomination was confirmed by Honest Baguma, the district tallying officer, at the Kakumiro District Electoral Commission offices, where hundreds of supporters gathered chanting “Time for Change!”
After receiving her nomination certificate, Tibulihwa pledged to unite the people of Kakumiro and improve service delivery across the district.
“My mission is simple to bring people together and ensure that government initiatives truly reach our communities,” she said. “Our district deserves better service delivery, accountability, and leaders who listen.”
Tibulihwa said she decided to contest as an Independent after what she described as irregularities in the NRM primaries.
“The NRM primaries were marred by malpractice, dishonesty, and favoritism,” she said. “I chose to stand independently so that the people of Kakumiro can have a fair, transparent, and accountable choice at the ballot.”
Her campaign symbol — a watch — has become a popular image in the district, representing what she calls “time for change and a new ideology for Kakumiro.”
“The watch reminds us that our time is now — time to move from promises to action, from politics to service, from division to unity,” she said.
Tibulihwa clarified that her decision to run independently does not mean she opposes President Yoweri Museveni, saying she remains supportive of his vision.
“I remain a supporter of President Museveni because he represents stability and continuity,” she said. “My independence is not rebellion — it’s constitutional and a call for honest leadership that complements his mission for prosperity for all.”
She urged the people of Kakumiro to support President Museveni in the January 16, 2026 elections, saying lasting development depends on peace and unity.
District Chairperson Ssentayi Ssekusu Joseph welcomed her nomination, calling her entry “timely and transformative.”
“Harriet’s leadership brings hope,” he said. “Her presence in this race will help bridge the service delivery gaps our district has faced for years.”
Tibulihwa said Kakumiro’s main challenges poor roads, weak service delivery, and limited access to education and healthcare result from disunity among leaders.
“We must end politics of exclusion,” she said. “When leaders fight among themselves, the people suffer. My campaign is about inclusion giving every village and every person a voice in our shared progress.”
Her message of unity has gained wide support, especially among young voters and women who see her as a new voice for development.
“For years, we’ve been told to wait,” one youth said at her rally but her watch tells us that our time is now. The time for Kakumiro to rise has come.”