With less than one month left to the nomination process for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer in Rukungiri municipality, four contenders have entered the race.
The NRM Secretariat Top Leadership members accompanied Secretary-General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong announced the NRM political and electoral strategy 2025–2026 last month.
The statement released by the party indicates that the joint campaign for MPs, LCV, Councilors, Lord Councilors, Municipal and Division Mayors will commence on 1st July 2025.
The polling day for members of Parliament according to the statement will be held on 16th July 2025.
NRM party will handle conflicts and disputes, possible re-runs, and residual elections from July 17th September to 15.
In the same period, NRM Secretary General will endorse the Party flag bearers.
The statement also clarified that there will be election of Presidential candidates and CEC members in the period of August 15-25.
Four candidates so far expressed interest in running for the Rukungiri Municipality MP seat after the NRM electoral road map was made public.
Among these candidates include the incumbent MP Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa commonly known as Omuturagye, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, Andrew Ankunda Kikira and Nathan Kamugisha.
While it had long been an FDC stronghold, the 2021 elections signaled shifting political winds when Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa of National Resistance Movement (NRM) defeated Dr. Wallen Tumwine of FDC.
By then, Rukungiri municipality was represented by FDC’s Hon. Mugume Roland Kaginda who served for two terms after being defeated in Party Primaries.
Despite facing a growing field of challengers, Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa, the incumbent MP remains confident, arguing that his one-term tenure has laid the foundation for continued development in Rukungiri municipality.
Rutahigwa is pledging to fulfill previous commitments and ensure the smooth implementation of government programs since he is now well coordinated with government offices.
Another Candidate Andrew Ankunda has already made significant financial contributions to the community, including churches, schools, water sources an investment that has raised speculation about his potential upper hand in the race.
Speaking with our reporter, most residents believe that Andrew Ankunda Kikira genuinely has the Municipality’s interests at heart since he is their son in addition to contributions his grandfather the Late Kikira did to his area.
Another candidate who expressed interest in running, Nathan Kamugisha Akandwanaho, has made it clear that leadership must come from locals, claiming that only locals can truly comprehend the difficulties faced by the populace.
According to Kamugisha, the area no longer merits the designation of municipality due to the appalling quality of services provided there.
He cited enduring issues such as limited access to potable water, subpar medical treatment, exorbitant educational fees, even in public schools, and the lack of electricity in several municipal areas.
Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde who also eyes the Rukungiri Municipality MP seat is a seasoned politician and retired senior military officer of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Gen. Tumukunde came with a manifesto which assures public that he will transform Rukungiri municipality.
