Rukiga District
In Rukiga district, the political atmosphere is stirring a newfound excitement among voters.
The mood is charged with a sense of anticipation, as local debates and direct campaign events are keeping this community alive.
Still, the conversations continue buzzing as residents eagerly discuss the candidates, policies, and potential changes that lie ahead.
A retired Army (UPDF) Captain – Damson Christmas Kivumba has thrown his hat into the ring with clear intentions of vying for the Rukiga parliamentary seat in the 2026 General Elections.
Kivumba, a member of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) headed by the First Son Gen. David Muhoozi Kanyeirugaba, also Chief of Defence Forces, is gearing up for a robust campaign, capitalising on the support of opinion leaders and residents in the constituency.
They believe his military background will enable him to enhance service delivery and galvanise community participation in government programs aimed at poverty alleviation and increasing household incomes.
His supporters are hopeful that he will not only enhance local infrastructure and services but also drive participation in government programs aimed at poverty reduction, ultimately boosting household incomes and improving the quality of life for all residents.
Kivumba, reportedly a close associate of General Muhoozi, has become a familiar presence at social gatherings such as funerals, weddings, and religious functions, actively seeking support from the electorate.
As part of his strategy to secure voter support, Kivumba recently met with the Rukiga Students Association at Makerere University.
During this meeting, he urged the students to back his candidacy, promising to serve as a bridge connecting Rukiga County to essential services from the central government.
The soldier-turned-politician encouraged the students to stay connected to their roots and understand their heritage, emphasising that this awareness would help them achieve a bright future.
He called on them to display high levels of patriotism and Pan-Africanism as a demonstration of their love for their country.
“The young generation should be patriotic and also promote Pan Africanism to be able to serve this country diligently in future when you attain positions of responsibility after your studies,” Kivumba told students from Rukiga.
To him, promoting patriotism among young people is essential for combating the pervasive corruption that has plagued many of the nation’s leaders, particularly those in parliament and government offices.
According to Kivumbi, Uganda’s development has been hindered by corrupt officials and stressed that it is high time for Ugandans to unite against such leaders to achieve sustainable development.
The retired officer elaborated with a metaphor, comparing effective leadership to a tree with deep roots and lofty branches.
“The leaders must fertilise the soil of knowledge, prune the weeds of inefficiency and irrigate the garden of learning with ample resources and innovative ideas,” he stated.
The overly excited soldier hopes that the young generation will be equipped to navigate the challenges of the 21st century and lead the nation to greatness.
He has already adopted the slogan “The Bridge for Rukiga!” to signify his role as a connector, linking the constituency to essential services.
Kivumba emphasised that the youth are powerful agents of change and should lead the effort to create a Rukiga that serves their interests, rather than one dictated by self-serving leaders.
He stressed that Rukiga is larger than any individual and must take precedence so that future generations can inherit a legacy even better than the one left to the current residents.
To embrace a philosophical perspective, he urged everyone to think beyond personal gains and work towards a collective good.
“If your plan is for one year plant rice, if your plan is for 10 years, plant trees but if your plan is for 100 years, educate your children,” he added.
Kivumba urged students to stay focused, pursue courses that add value to their skills and apply their knowledge practically to remain competitive in a job market increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and robotics.
He appealed to the students to unite for a common cause and become beacons of hope and excellence for their communities.
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