Summary:
- Mrs. Katabazi, gearing up for the 2026 elections, called on the people of Rubanda to support her in bringing meaningful change.
RUBANDA: Mrs. Jacqueline Katabazi, wife of Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Organization (ISO), has officially announced her candidacy for the 2026 Rubanda District Woman MP seat.
She promises to bring a new era of leadership to the district.
Speaking at Kisiizi Church of Uganda in Kacerere Archdeaconry, Rubanda District, on Sunday, Mrs. Katabazi reflected on her previous bid for the same seat a decade ago.
She explained that her decision to step aside in 2016 to support the incumbent, Hon. Prossy Akampurira Begumisa Mbabazi, was driven by her loyalty to the ruling party.
“Ten years ago, I contested, but people said I came too late just three weeks before the election. So, I decided to campaign for the NRM party candidate, Hon. Prossy, because the NRM is in my heart,” she said.
Now, returning to the political scene, Mrs. Katabazi emphasized that Rubanda is in need of fresh leadership.
“Ten years later, I am back, and this time I’ve come early. If someone hasn’t worked to improve Rubanda in ten years, then they probably can’t. I’ve given her enough time,” she remarked, subtly criticizing the incumbent. Hon. Prossy Akampurira has faced public backlash for approving a controversial Shs 400 million payout to herself and other MPs, a decision widely regarded as unethical.
As a commissioner in Parliament, Hon. Akampurira has become an embattled figure, with allegations of mismanagement and self-serving decisions overshadowing her tenure.
Mrs. Katabazi, gearing up for the 2026 elections, called on the people of Rubanda to support her in bringing meaningful change.
“In 2026, when the time comes, I humbly ask you to vote for me,” she concluded, signaling her intent to mount a serious challenge to the incumbent.
The race for the Rubanda Woman MP seat is already shaping up to be fiercely contested, with Mrs. Katabazi positioning herself as a formidable candidate, bolstered by her strong ties to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Earlier in the day, Mrs. Katabazi attended the 54th-anniversary celebration of Kakore Rugambwa Parish in Rubanda District.
The event also aimed to raise funds for completing a multi-million-shilling commercial building, which will generate income for various church development projects.
The celebration was presided over by Monsignor John Vianney Sunday, the Vicar General of Kabale Diocese.
Mrs. Katabazi congratulated the Catholic community of Kakore on this significant milestone.
“It is a testament to your faith, unity, and dedication to the Church’s mission,” she said.
She praised Kakore Parish’s leadership for spearheading key projects that have transformed lives, such as the Kakore Health Center, which provides critical care, and St. Agatha Girls Secondary School, which empowers young women through education.
Reflecting on the parish’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Rosary, Mrs. Katabazi reminded the faithful of the power of faith and prayer.
“The Rosary is a powerful spiritual tool, bringing us closer to God through reflection on the mysteries of Christ’s life. Many victories have been won through the Rosary, including the Battle of Lepanto, where Christian forces triumphed through her intercession,” she remarked.
She urged the faithful to pray the Rosary for her as she embarks on her political journey, aiming to represent Rubanda District in 2026.
“I believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer, and prayers said through the Rosary can bring blessings and success,” she added.
As a gesture of support, Mrs. Katabazi contributed Shs 1 million towards the construction of the parish complex.
