The race for the Ntungamo District LC5 seat is underway following the conclusion of nominations, with incumbent Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigoba (NRM) set to defend his position against two independent challengers, John Kabeeho Kigungu and Naboth Mpirirwe, who left the NRM primaries citing irregularities.
The three candidates have sharply different approaches to district management, development, and resource allocation.
Muchunguzi Rwakigoba, the incumbent, is campaigning on promises to transform Ntungamo into an economic hub through investment, job creation, and expanding coffee cultivation to boost household incomes and fight poverty.
“We are going into steel in Rushenyi and Ruhama. We have minerals, and we want them processed here, like lithium,” Muchunguzi Rwakigoba said, emphasizing plans to leverage local resources for economic growth.
John Kabeeho Kigungu, running as an independent, has focused on fighting corruption, improving access to services, and engaging directly with grassroots communities.
“Corruption in Ntungamo is alarming. It’s everywhere. Government offices are misused, and funds are embezzled,” he said, pledging transparency if elected.
Naboth Mpirirwe, also an independent, aims to improve infrastructure, strengthen the road network, and uplift the health sector, which has long suffered from shortages of drugs, equipment, and staffing.
“Ntungamo has the poorest road network. Out of 2,022 km, the district maintains only 300 km per year,” he said.
The aspirants also discussed the possibility of dividing the district to enhance service delivery. Kabeeho Kigungu stated,
“Looking into areas with no services, I will try to ensure Ntungamo is divided appropriately,” while Mpirirwe highlighted funding constraints: “The money from the central government is not enough for our people.”
Political analyst Edward Natamba warned voters to temper expectations.
“Most of these promises are designed to win votes but remain unrealistic, particularly on corruption, which is a deep-rooted challenge. If plans are not embedded in Uganda’s Vision 2040, the NDP, or the district development plan, they are essentially empty promises,” Natamba said.
The Ntungamo LC5 race is expected to be closely watched, with voters weighing promises of economic growth, anti-corruption measures, and improved services against the candidates’ track records and credibility.
