Senior Economist and lawyer Kiconco Patrick Katabaazi has urged voters in Rukiga District to reject political candidates who seek support through handouts of salt and soap ahead of the upcoming elections.
Katabaazi, a prominent contender for the Rukiga County Member of Parliament seat, is mounting a strong challenge against incumbent MP Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish. Speaking during a spirited discussion at Summit Safaris Hotel in Muhanga Town Council, he expressed concern over the slow pace of development in Rukiga compared to other districts established around the same time.
Addressing “Rukiga Women for KP” a group of 210 female volunteers mobilizing in support of his campaign, Katabaazi attributed the district’s stagnation to ineffective parliamentary representation and the prevalence of vote-buying in past elections.
“Just look at Rubanda, which is only a year older than Rukiga. They’re building a district hospital and have already launched several major school projects, while we continue to lag behind,” he said. “Take a look at our roads, schools, and health facilities can anyone honestly say we are making progress?”
Katabaazi criticized the tendency of some voters to choose leaders based on small, short-term giveaways.
“Too often, we elect leaders simply because they’ve handed out salt and soap. In doing so, we lose our ability to demand accountability because they never promised us anything of substance,” he said.
He called on the electorate to be vigilant and demand issue-based manifestos from all candidates, particularly those with tangible development plans for Rukiga’s critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
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Drawing inspiration from the Biblical story of David, Katabaazi said he felt called despite his humble beginnings to lead a transformative agenda for the district.
“I believe, just as God chose David, He will also use me to spark meaningful change and elevate Rukiga into a model district,” he said. He added that if elected in 2026, he would focus on healing divisions that have been fostered along social, economic, and geographical lines.
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Rukiga District, carved out of Kabale in 2017, has an estimated population of 130,000, most of who rely on agriculture as their main source of income. Despite its potential, the district remains one of the least developed in the Kigezi Sub-region.
Among the most pressing challenges is the lack of a district hospital, forcing residents to travel long distances to Kabale for specialized medical care and court services. The district currently operates with only two Health Centre IV facilities and has a single ambulance, stationed at Mparo Health Centre IV.
