Fred Turyamuhweza has intensified his campaign in Rujumbura County, drawing crowds with a message centred on human rights, freedom, and improved service delivery.
He told supporters that Ugandans deserve a country where freedom and rights are protected “without fear,” while warning about growing concerns over voter theft on campaign trails, a challenge he said many candidates in the district continue to face.
Turyamuhweza argued that Rujumbura has lagged behind because leaders have failed to provide essential public services.
“This constituency has lacked service delivery: basic health care, education, and road infrastructure. There is no clean water,” he said.
He cited the Kahengye Water Project, which he said has consumed more than Shs 62 billion over the last decade, yet residents still lack access to safe water.
“We need to investigate why people don’t have clean water,” he said.
Turyamuhweza added that his manifesto focuses on social services, protection of human rights, and helping people join the money economy.
He also criticised the commercialization of politics, saying it has created unnecessary division in the constituency, and urged voters not to be swayed by handouts or what he termed “politics of colour.”
During his visits across Nyakabungo and Kikarara–Bwambara, residents voiced their frustrations.
Rehema Natukunda said the community continues to grapple with wildlife destroying gardens, lack of water, limited electrification, and long distances to health facilities.
Isaac Ampaire said residents share water sources with wild animals, while Elias Ampaire raised concerns about the state of education, saying schools exist only as structures without teachers.
Turyamuhweza previously served as Rujumbura County MP from 2016 to 2021 before losing the 2021–2026 race to Lt Gen (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi, who remains the incumbent.
Ten candidates were initially nominated for the current race, but only six remain.
He reminded supporters that his earlier term was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted and delayed key projects such as rural electrification.
On the campaign trail, Turyamuhweza said Uganda has suffered long-standing injustices.
He cited the experiences of Dr Kizza Besigye, whom he claimed spent a year in jail without clear cause, and Sam Mugumya, whom he said was kidnapped and has never been seen.
“These are the things the current government fought the previous government for: to restore democracy, human dignity, and end violations of human rights,” he said, arguing that the government has since diverted from those principles.
Turyamuhweza urged residents to remain vigilant as the election approaches.
“People are demanding freedom. It may be happening to one individual today, but tomorrow it might happen to the children of parents participating in this election. People are worried,” he said.
