As the 2026 general elections draw closer, political excitement is building in Rukiga County, where four candidates have declared interest in the parliamentary seat.
What makes this race particularly unique is that only one of the contenders represents a political party the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) while the other three are all independents.
Leading the race on the NRM ticket is Patrick Kiconco Kataabanzi, a seasoned economist and lawyer. Kataabanzi’s entry marks a significant moment for the ruling party, as Rukiga County has long been considered an opposition stronghold. His candidacy is expected to test the NRM’s strength in reclaiming the constituency.
Seeking re-election is Roland Ndyomugyenyi, the current Member of Parliament for Rukiga County. Ndyomugyenyi won the seat in 2021 as an independent and has maintained his political independence as he bids for a second term.
His track record and familiarity with the electorate could give him an edge, though competition is expected to be stiff.
Also joining the race is Damson Kivumba, another familiar face in Rukiga politics. After losing in the NRM primaries, Kivumba decided to return to the field as an independent candidate, signalling deep competition even among those once aligned with the ruling party.
The fourth contender, Benitah Rumanzi, is a newcomer in the political arena but has already made headlines by entering the race as an independent. His participation adds another layer of intrigue to an already crowded field.
Political observers note that the 2026 Rukiga County MP contest is shaping up as a battle of “NRM versus independents.”
With the county’s history of leaning toward opposition-leaning candidates, the outcome remains uncertain,but one thing is clear: Rukiga County will be one of the constituencies to watch when Ugandans head to the polls in 2026.