Every election season demands that voters distinguish genuine leadership from well-packaged political noise. What is unfolding in Ndorwa East, particularly the direct attacks by Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture, Peace Rugambwa on Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, calls for sober reflection rather than emotional reaction.
These attacks are not accidental. They are calculated, well-timed, and seemingly designed to divert public attention from the real challenges facing our communities. Instead of a contest of ideas, systems, and solutions, the debate has been reduced to personal assaults. This is a dangerous trajectory for any serious leadership race.
Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba has, over time, established himself as an independent-minded leader willing to confront uncomfortable truths. He has consistently spoken out against poor systems of resource distribution, corruption and embezzlement of public funds, and the abuse of power by those in authority. Such positions are rarely welcomed by beneficiaries of broken systems. History shows that anyone who speaks truth to power should expect resistance.
Keep Religion Out of Politics
One of the most regrettable developments in this campaign has been the attempt to drag religion into political battles. This approach is not only unethical but deeply divisive.
It must be stated clearly: both Niwagaba and Protazio are Catholics. Faith should unite communities, not be weaponized for political convenience. Religious leaders should not be placed under pressure to serve political ends. Doing so weakens social cohesion and distracts citizens from meaningful policy discussions.
Accountability Is Not an Insult
Protazio previously served as a Commissioner at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), a senior government position with influence and access to decision-making structures. Asking about the impact of that long service is not a personal attack—it is a legitimate accountability question.
What visible, measurable benefits did that tenure bring to Ndorwa East?
Which major development programs can be directly traced to it?
What structural changes did communities experience during that period?
These are fair questions voters have a right to ask.
Understanding the Role of an MP
If Peace Rugambwa believes Ndorwa East remains underdeveloped, then the starting point must be a clear understanding of the role of a Member of Parliament. An MP legislates. An MP provides oversight. An MP advocates for fair and equitable allocation of national resources.
Development does not come from shouting matches, personal attacks, or staged confrontations. It comes from collaboration, policy influence, and consistency. A more constructive approach would be to engage Niwagaba on policy, work together on shared community goals, and build on existing efforts rather than dismantling them for short-term political gain.
Independent Thinking Is Leadership
It is also worth recalling that Wilfred Niwagaba was in the NRM before Protazio. Political history offers important lessons here. Even Amama Mbabazi, a former NRM Secretary General, once contested against the President. Politics has since evolved.
The lesson is simple: belonging to a party does not mean unquestioning agreement; standing against internal injustice is not betrayal; and independent thinking is not rebellion—it is leadership.
What Ndorwa East Truly Needs
Ndorwa East—and the wider Kigezi region—does not need political noise, personal attacks, or imported agendas detached from local realities. What our people need is serious dialogue on poverty reduction, practical plans for youth employment, and strong advocacy for fair national resource sharing. We need leaders who respect institutions, faith, and community unity.
If Peace Rugambwa is genuinely committed to fighting poverty, the best path forward is to present a clear agenda, articulate workable solutions, and allow voters to decide, without being distracted or spoken for.
Leadership is not about who shouts the loudest or attacks the hardest. It is about ideas, integrity, and impact. Ndorwa East deserves mature politics. Kigezi deserves respectful debate. And the people deserve leaders who focus on solutions, not distractions.
Let us stay focused.
The writer is Davis Owomugisha
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