A new generation of Members of Parliament has emerged across the Kigezi sub-region following the 2026 general elections, with several fresh faces replacing long-serving legislators in what political observers describe as a significant shift in the region's political landscape.
Among the most notable victories was that of Eliab Naturinda Mporera, who unseated State Minister for Trade David Bahati in Ndorwa West Constituency, bringing an end to Bahati's two-decade tenure in Parliament.
Naturinda is among nearly eight newly elected MPs from Kigezi's six districts. Other newcomers include Patrick Kiconco Katabaazi, who won the Rukiga County parliamentary seat, replacing Roland Ndyomugyenyi after one term in office, and Dr. Fortunate Gatale Habyala, who was elected MP for Bufumbira North County, succeeding John Kamara Niziyimana, who had represented the constituency for 15 years.
Speaking after being sworn in, Naturinda said improving education standards in Ndorwa West would be one of his key priorities. He also pledged to improve road infrastructure through effective management of the district's one-billion-shilling road fund.
The newly elected legislator further emphasized the need for unity among residents, calling on communities to reject divisions based on religion and sectarianism.
"Improving education standards will be my top priority. We will also ensure proper management of the shs1 billion road fund to improve our roads. Unity is essential if we are to achieve meaningful development," Naturinda said.
Patrick Kiconco Katabaazi, the newly elected MP for Rukiga County, said he intends to build on the achievements of previous leaders while strengthening the district's voice on socio-economic development issues.
He noted that access to essential services, particularly healthcare, remains a major challenge in some parts of the district, with several sub-counties lacking health facilities.
"We need to strengthen Rukiga's voice on development issues. Some sub-counties still do not have health centres, and that is a challenge we must address," Katabaazi said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Fortunate Gatale Habyala, the new MP for Bufumbira North, said he found few major ongoing projects from the previous administration to continue with, necessitating a fresh development agenda.
He revealed plans to promote coffee farming as a sustainable source of household income and economic growth over the next five years.
"There were no significant projects to continue with, so we are starting afresh. Coffee farming will be our main focus as a sustainable source of income for residents over the next five years," Habyala said.
However, political analyst Dr. John Paul Kasujja expressed skepticism about the ability of some first-time legislators to effectively meet public expectations.
Kasujja argued that the dominance of National Resistance Movement (NRM) legislators among the newly elected leaders could limit robust oversight and accountability.
"Many first-time legislators may struggle to meet public expectations and could end up focusing more on personal interests than service delivery," Kasujja said.
He further predicted that the 12th Parliament could face greater performance challenges than its predecessor if lawmakers fail to prioritize the needs of their constituents.
The election results signal a changing political tide in Kigezi, where voters appear to have embraced new leadership in the hope of accelerating service delivery and addressing long-standing development challenges.
