Kikuube voters have called on the government to step aside and not interfere with the by-election campaign process by deciding for voters the choices to make while voting.
Community concerns come at time different candidates launch their political manifestos as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primary election campaign kicks off on May, 11, 2026.
According to some of them, the government often takes part in political campaigns especially, citing by-elections as the most interfered by some branches of government and individuals.
They note that as voting communities, they have the right to express their interests by choosing leaders of their choice without any external interference.
Edward Mugisha, one of the voters from Kyakasoro village in Kabwoya sub-county expressed his concerns and fears over the government’s intervention to back a candidate, leaving communities’ choice sidelined.
According to him, communities have different challenges pressing them, factors which require them to fully exercise their rights without contradictions.
“We want the election to be free and fair. As voters, we should be given full rights to choose leaders of our choice. So, we don’t want government interference which may bring in people we know to lead the district,” he said.
Mugisha noted that any government participation in political campaigns undermines voter’s rights to choose leaders who are able to give solutions to their challenges.
Kikuube has its own problems which need capable leaders to address them, he argued. “So, we need openness, and have free and fair elections.”
And besides government interference, he noted the need for leaders to prioritise agricultural transformation in the district, saying most of the communities are farmers.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda. There is a need for the leaders to focus more on agricultural sectors than other sectors,” he said.
Margaret Karungi, from Kabwoya sub-county, noted a need for leaders yet to be elected to prioritise the health sector but also secure clean and safe water sources for community consumption.
She also emphasised on the need for rural electrification, noting that some communities within rural areas operate businesses which need electricity.
“We also have water scarcity in our areas, making some communities move miles looking for it,” she noted.
Richard Wamani from Buhimbasub-countyy calls for consideration of youth economic empowerment by promoting hands-on vocational skilling for self-reliance.
Francis Tumwesige Mukoto, the LC3 chairman for Kabwoya, calls for peace and harmony among communities during campaign season.
He said this during the launch of aspiring LC5 chairman Kisembo Paddy on Monday evening.
During the launch, Kisembo who is currently rallying for the NRM party flag ahead of the by-election, said that he showed interest to participate in the race in order to provide solutions to some key notable challenges facing Kikuube district.
He noted poor academic performance especially in the Universal Primary Education (UPE), public service delivery being fueled by few administrative units, under-developed infrastructure, poor health services including access to clean and safe water sources for communities.
Other challenges include poor agricultural production.
Kisembo, in his communication, assured people he will use his lobbying powers to get support from different entities including government, well wishers and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to boost both economic and public service delivery in the district
“I will make sure that both the best learners and teachers are motivated to boost academic performance, and mobilise communities to prioritise outside lake commercial fishing in order to overcome over concentration on lakes for fish,” he promised.
Other strategies will include improving road infrastructure to enable transportation of agricultural products to market centers, among others.
About nomination
Paddy Kisembo was nominated by the NRM electoral commission on Thursday May 7, 2026, making him fully participate in the party primaries ahead of final elections scheduled for June 2026.
He was nominated together with other four aspirants including Christopher Nkalu, the speaker of Kikuube district, Philip Mbabazi Burnet, a son to Major Gen rtd Matayo Kyaligonza and brother to late Peter Banura, Patrick Tusabe and another candidate only identified as Dickson.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.