Kabale District Electoral Commission has officially nominated four candidates to contest for the Kabale Municipality mayoral seat in the 2026 general elections.
The candidates include incumbent mayor Emmanuel Sentaro Byamugisha, seeking re-election as an independent, Sam Arinaitwe, the NRM flag bearer, Mugisha Ronald Ian, who is running as an independent after losing the NRM primaries and Monday Evarist Hussein, a Boda – Boda rider contesting on an FDC ticket. The nominations were confirmed by the district returning officer, Aisha Nansubuga.
Byamugisha, who was escorted by thousands of supporters during his nomination on Wednesday afternoon, pledged to prioritize road infrastructure development as the municipality prepares for its elevation to city status. He revealed plans to tarmac several roads, open new road networks, and expand access to foster economic growth.
He also outlined strategies to improve the education sector, citing ongoing rehabilitation works at Kigezi College Butobere, Kabale Secondary School, and Kikungiri Primary School.
On health, Byamugisha promised to construct a Health Centre III in Central Division and upgrade Kamukira HCIV to semi-hospital status. He further vowed to improve the socio-economic welfare of residents.
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Arinaitwe, however, criticized the current municipal leadership for failing to address understaffing at the municipal council, which he said has hindered service delivery.
He also accused the authorities of poor accountability, particularly in road construction. According to him, Kabale Municipality receives UGX 1.3 billion annually for road works, yet many roads remain in poor condition.
He further faulted the administration for failing to expand the local tax base, citing the municipal abattoir which, during his tenure as LC3 Chairman, generated Shs 8 million per month, but now collects only Shs 5 million following the COVID-19 disruptions and the Katuna border closure.
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Mugisha said he opted to contest as an independent following what he described as irregularities in the NRM primaries, including alleged vote rigging and bribery.
He criticized the lack of tangible development in Kabale and pledged to bring in fresh leadership focused on infrastructure, service delivery, and improving residents’ livelihoods.
