The legal advisor of Peas Traders in Uganda, Counsel Wilbroad Atwebembeire Rwamunahe, has called on the electorate to rise above religious and tribal affiliations and instead vote for leaders based on merit, integrity and commitment to public service.
Speaking with conviction during a press conference at his home in Kansinga Cell, Burambira Parish, Kaharo Sub-county in Ndorwa East County, Counsel Rwamunahe who is currently vying the LC5 Chairperson seat for Kabale District, emphasized the need for unity and responsible leadership.
“Religion should never be the reason we vote someone into office,” he said. “As a Christian, I believe in love that transcends labels and denominations. The roads we build, the hospitals we equip, and the schools we improve should serve everyone, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, and all Ugandans alike.”
Quoting Article 183 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, Counsel Rwamunahe reminded citizens of the critical role the LC5 Chairperson plays in overseeing district budgets and development priorities.
“As Chairperson, I will ensure every voice is heard from the hills of Rubaya to the valleys of Maziba. Leadership is not about where you pray, but how you serve,” he said. “Kabale doesn’t just need a leader, it needs the right leader.”
He warned against voting based on favoritism or identity politics. “If we elect someone simply because they belong to our church or clan and they prove incompetent, then, as Professor PLO Lumumba once said, they become a burden for all of us.”
With humility and assurance, he concluded, “I have served before. I am trained in the law. I understand governance. I will not disappoint the people of Kabale. With God’s help, I will lead with transparency, fairness, and vision. God is great. Amen.”
A Call for Credible Elections
Counsel Rwamunahe also appealed to all stakeholders to uphold fairness, transparency, and accountability in Uganda’s democratic process.
“Having been deeply involved in politics and public service, I’ve come to understand that credible elections require the commitment of all players,” he said. “The Electoral Commission must remain impartial; the security forces must protect all citizens equally; candidates must conduct themselves with dignity; and voters must recognize their voice as the heartbeat of democracy.”
He warned that when any one group fails in its responsibilities, the credibility of the entire process is compromised.
“Our democracy must not be reduced to a formality. It should be a genuine exercise in selecting leaders who reflect the people’s true will,” he added.
Emphasizing the role of security agencies, Rwamunahe noted: “Security plays a crucial role in protecting the integrity of elections. When they act professionally and neutrally, they create a safe environment for all. But when that role is abused, democracy suffers.”
Drawing on his own experiences and Uganda’s political history, he urged citizens to learn from the past.
“Only a fool repeats the same mistakes. Let us become better and stronger, and build a just and equitable society,” he urged. “Let’s walk together toward an election we can all believe in one where merit wins over manipulation and the people’s voice is heard loud and clear. That is the Uganda we deserve. That is the Kabale I envision.”
Personal Background and Education
Counsel Rwamunahe hails from Kansinga Cell, Burambira Parish, Kaharo Sub-county in Ndorwa East, Kabale District.
He began his education at Kansinga Primary School and later attended Kizinga and Nyanja Primary Schools before returning to Kansinga to complete his primary education. He then enrolled at Kizinga Technical Institute where he studied carpentry and joinery. He further pursued an advanced certificate in the same field from Kabale Technical Institute.
Building on this technical foundation, he attended Makerere College for his O-Level and Nshambya Sharing for A-Level. He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Ethics and Human Rights from Makerere University.
To enhance his computer skills, he obtained a certificate in Cisco networking. His passion for justice led him to pursue a Bachelor of Laws degree at Makerere University, inspired by witnessing court proceedings during an electoral petition. He also holds a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration at Makerere University.
Career and Professional Experience
Following his technical education, Rwamunahe applied his carpentry skills in local workshops across Kabale and later opened his own furniture business. In 1996, he moved to Kigali, Rwanda, shortly after the genocide, where he worked as a taxi driver before joining the media industry as a radio presenter at Voice of Kigezi in Kabale.
He later served as a driver in the health department at Kabale District Local Government. During the 2001 general elections, he was the personal driver of then-District Speaker Adison Kakuru, who was running for the position of district chairperson.
Regional Marketing and Community Work
Rwamunahe joined Movit Products Ltd as a driver and was eventually promoted to Marketing Officer. After two years of grassroots campaigns, particularly among hairdressers, he was promoted to Marketing Export Manager and posted to Rwanda.
He later worked in Tanzania, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, honing his skills in strategic planning, cross-cultural communication, and market development.
He later transitioned to Nivea as a Marketing Manager, where he continued to influence and implement initiatives that benefited both the companies he worked for and the communities, especially in Kabale District.
