Leaders from Local Council 1 (LC1) to Local Council 5 (LC5) in Rushenyi County, Ntungamo District, have unanimously endorsed Naome Kabasharira for another term as Member of Parliament, reaffirming their confidence in her leadership and service to the constituency.
The endorsement was sealed on March 15, 2025 during Eishazi rya’Rushenyi (Rushenyi Parliament), a high-profile assembly chaired by Vincent Tugume, the District Councilor for Kayonza Sub-County.
The event held at Rubaare Archdeaconry Church of Uganda brought together NRM party leaders, local government officials, religious figures, institutional heads, and key opinion leaders, all commending Kabasharira’s exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to the constituency.
The motion for Kabasharira’s re-election was moved by Mr. Muhwezi Karuru, a local council official, and seconded by Mr. Herbert Nyesiga, the LC3 Chairman of Ngoma Sub-County.
The resolution received overwhelming support from over 2,000 leaders through a show of hands, demonstrating the broad trust in her leadership. The supporters included religious leaders, heads of institutions, opinion leaders, local council representatives, and several civil servants.
Speaking at the event, Kabasharira expressed heartfelt gratitude for the endorsement, pledging to continue serving Rushenyi with commitment and integrity.
“I am deeply humbled by the trust you have placed in me. Together, we will ensure that Rushenyi shines brighter than ever before,” she affirmed.
She emphasized the importance of unity in the constituency.
“We are working to restore unity and trust among our people. When a leader refrains from fostering division and animosity, even those who once opposed you eventually come to support you.”
Kabasharira also outlined her vision for the next term, and urged the population to support President Yoweri Museveni in the forthcoming elections. She noted that she was dedicated to building on the progress already achieved and advancing development in Rushenyi in her next term.
Key Achievements Highlighted by Kabasharira
- Health Sector:
- Plans to upgrade Rubare Health Center IV to a community hospital to serve mid-southwestern Uganda.
- Elevation of Kyafoora Health Center II to Health Center III.
- Expansion of health camps and implementation of an efficient ambulance system to address current challenges.
- Roads and Transport:
- Ongoing improvements to critical roads, including the Rubare-Kisiizi route and the construction of Akabare Bridge.
- Opening of the new Kabasheshe-Murambi road to enhance connectivity.
- Education and Sports:
- Continuation of the bursary scheme to support students.
- Roofing projects for Nyanga and Burama Primary Schools, with plans to elevate Rwamanyonyi Primary School to a standard school.
- Lobbying for the establishment of a seed school in Rugarama North, in line with the Ministry of Education’s policy of a seed school in every subcounty.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Final stages of lobbying for funds to construct the Rugarama North Sub-County headquarters.
- Renovation of government secondary schools across Rushenyi County.
- Economic and Social Transformation:
- Job creation initiatives and fostering a collaborative relationship among leaders and electorates.
- Continued efforts to drive political, social, and economic development in the region.
State House Legal Officer and former Rushenyi County MP contender Justus Karuhanga emphasized the importance of unity and accountability in leadership during a recent gathering in Rushenyi.
Reflecting on the constituency’s progress, Karuhanga expressed his vision for a united Rushenyi, crediting Naome Kabasharira’s leadership for fostering harmony and development.
“There is nothing more significant than keeping a promise,” Karuhanga stated, recalling how he and other leaders rallied behind Kabasharira during the last election.
“We approached her to contest, even though she initially wanted to retire from politics. We reminded her that leaders are chosen by the people, not themselves. She agreed on the condition that we would support her to serve the people—and she has done just that.”
Karuhanga stressed the unique Eishaazi platform, where Kabasharira meets quarterly with local council and community leaders, a practice he described as unprecedented. “Hon. Naome has brought peace and harmony to our area, and for that, we thank her,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.
He also commended Kabasharira’s performance in Parliament, noting her appointment as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Presidential Affairs.
“Out of over 500 MPs, this is a significant achievement. Through such positions, Rushenyi stands to benefit,” Karuhanga remarked.
Karuhanga urging continued support for Kabasharira, noting that leadership is about serving the people. “Elections are a game of numbers, and success comes from building partnerships.
Naome has proven her capability, and we must stand by her to ensure Rushenyi’s progress.”
Mr. Kaana Stephen Tumwesigye, a resident of Kinyoobwa in Nyanga Parish, Rubaare Sub County, and a member of the New Era fraternity, expressed his gratitude for . Kabasharira's steadfast role as a unifying force in Rushenyi, especially in bringing people together, those who supported her in the last election and those who didn't support her. She has proved to be a leader for all.
“We are very grateful that since we introduced Hon. Kabasharira to you as our choice for MP in 2021, you supported us and shared our commitment to leaving behind the old days of violence and disunity. Together, we agreed to move Rushenyi forward as one. We were blessed with an MP who leads with inclusivity, never engaging in divisive politics, regardless of who supported her or not. I sincerely thank her for being a consultative leader. It brings me great joy to see us all united,” said Kaana Stephen Tumwesigye.
Several other speakers praised Naome Kabasharira for her strong and impactful leadership, pledging their firm support for her re-election bid. Among them was Mr. Godfrey Akakimpa, a prominent lawyer and university law lecturer, who commended the leaders for rallying behind a leader dedicated to serving all constituents.
Akakimpa also expressed gratitude for their continued support of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in driving development.
Mr. Gilbert Sendugwa Rucamuzi, a Kampala-based governance and accountability international development consultant and former Chairman of the Rubaare Secondary School Board of Governors, also reaffirmed his support for Hon. Kabasharira.
"I am a member of New Era, where we have been assisting Hon. Naome Kabasharira in fulfilling the mandate you entrusted to her. We appreciate her leadership and guidance. Together with our chairperson, Mr. Alex Kwesiga Nkabarenga, and fellow members, we remain committed. Personally, if it is God’s will, I pledge my continued support in ensuring effective service delivery to our people," said Sendugwa.
The gathering attracted influential figures, including, Rubare Archdeacon Ven. Rev. Can. Yoramu Akoragye, and Jackson Karuhanga, Chairman of Mzee Tova Ku Main in Ntungamo District.
Also in attendance were key leaders and opinion shapers such as businessman Norman Kashereka, Alex Kwesiga Nkabarenga, Mr. Davidson Ndyabahika alias DVD, Mr. Dominic Twesigye Kadenge, Mr. Hakiri Boaz, Jude Muhereza Kacooboye, Nicholus Nuwahereza, and several members of the New Era fraternity and youth leaders. Other notable local council leaders who graced the occasion included Mr. Benson Kansiime, the Rubaare Town Council Mayor, Mr. Benson Karaara, the Rubaare Town Council Speaker, Hon. Shallon Tweheyo, the District Councillor for Rubaare Town Council ans Rubaare Subcounty, Hon. Saidat Muhereza, the District Councillor for Rugarama Sub-county, Mr Herbert Muhumuza, the Ngoma Sub-county chairperson among others.