Politics
Kikuube voters urge LCV candidates to fix electricity, water, roads
Kikuube district is preparing to hold an LCV by-election on June 18, following the death of the incumbent district chairperson, Peter Banura, in a car crash on April 4, 2026.
NRM village leaders raising their hands to show commitment to supporting the NRM flag bearer. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
By: Peter Abaanabasazi, Journalist @New Vision
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KIKUUBE — Residents of Buhimba sub-county in Kikuube district have asked candidates seeking to fill the position of the Kikuube district chairperson in the forthcoming by-election to prioritise electricity connection, water and road improvement once they are voted into office.
Kikuube district is preparing to hold an LCV by-election on June 18, following the death of the incumbent district chairperson, Peter Banura, in a car crash on April 4, 2026.
Excited Paddy Kisembo, NRM flag bearer (right), being greeted by an elderly man during the campaign. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
The Electoral Commission nominated two candidates for the race. They are Paddy Kisembo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Fenekansi Timanyire of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The residents raised concern over the lack of access to clean and safe water in the area, adding that women and children are forced to trek long distances in search of drinking water due to an acute shortage in the area.
The call was sounded by the village NRM leaders of Musaijamukuru west and Kitole parishes in Buhima sub-county in their meeting with Kikuube district NRM executive committee and NRM secretariat members, who are currently traversing the district canvassing for votes for the flagbearer Kisembo.
Pastor Gordon Tibyata, a resident of Kyawakame and chairperson for the elderly representing Buhimba sub-county, said that several residents are experiencing poor conditions, and this hinders access to social services such as markets, schools, and health facilities.
He cited Kitoole-Ibanda-Kisiiha and Kyawakame road as one of the roads that are in a poor state with deep potholes.
Tibyata noted that during the rainy season, these roads, which are always waterlogged, are impassable and are covered by dust during the dry season.
The residents raised concern over the lack of access to clean and safe water in the area, adding that women and children are forced to trek long distances in search of drinking water due to an acute shortage in the area.
The call was sounded by the village NRM leaders of Musaijamukuru west and Kitole parishes in Buhima sub-county in their meeting with Kikuube district NRM executive committee and NRM secretariat members, who are currently traversing the district canvassing for votes for the flagbearer Kisembo.
Pastor Gordon Tibyata, a resident of Kyawakame and chairperson for the elderly representing Buhimba sub-county, said that several residents are experiencing poor conditions, and this hinders access to social services such as markets, schools, and health facilities.
He cited Kitoole-Ibanda-Kisiiha and Kyawakame road as one of the roads that are in a poor state with deep potholes.
Tibyata noted that during the rainy season, these roads, which are always waterlogged, are impassable and are covered by dust during the dry season.
He said most of the farmers producing maize, beans, cassava and coffee cannot access markets due to the poor state of roads, forcing them to sell their produce cheaply to middlemen.
Jane Tumusiime, a maize farmer, expressed concern that the lack of power in the area is limiting them from engaging in business, adding that this stops them from adding value to their produce.
She was optimistic that if electricity were connected to their area, they would be able to smoothly run their businesses and move out of poverty.
Flora Tuhaise, another resident of Kyawakame village, said accessing clean water in the area is a nightmare, adding that despite a population of over 100 residents, the village relies on a single borehole located far away in the neighbouring Karama village.
As a result, many residents are forced to fetch water from unprotected water sources (swamps).
Tuhaise noted that despite repeated appeals to leaders for a water source, their concerns have been ignored. She called on candidates seeking votes for the district leadership to prioritise water issues.
In her address, Dr Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, the NRM director of mobilisation, said all the residents' concerns are in the NRM manifesto and urged them to vote for the party candidate, who will work well with the president to deliver better services.
She noted that the Government gives each district sh1 billion every financial year for road rehabilitation and promised that the issue of roads will be handled once the district gets good leaders.
Francis Kazini, the Kikuube district NRM chairperson and MP for Buhaguzi County, called for unity among NRM supporters if the party flagbearer is to win the forthcoming election.
He noted that they are mobilising and doing everything possible to ensure they woo all those who have been supporting Philip Mbabazi, who was disqualified over academic papers, to support Kisembo.
Kisembo said his campaign focuses on improving service delivery to ensure a better life for the community.
"We need to serve our people; we need to see our people getting clean water and our schools having enough teachers, structures and a favourable learning environment; health facilities having health workers and drugs, as well as improve agriculture and roads,” he said and urged the Kikuube residents to support his bid.
NUP's Timanyire, on the other hand, asked residents to support him, saying he will focus on improving education, health and advocating for youth empowerment in the district.
Jane Tumusiime, a maize farmer, expressed concern that the lack of power in the area is limiting them from engaging in business, adding that this stops them from adding value to their produce.
She was optimistic that if electricity were connected to their area, they would be able to smoothly run their businesses and move out of poverty.
Flora Tuhaise, another resident of Kyawakame village, said accessing clean water in the area is a nightmare, adding that despite a population of over 100 residents, the village relies on a single borehole located far away in the neighbouring Karama village.
As a result, many residents are forced to fetch water from unprotected water sources (swamps).
Tuhaise noted that despite repeated appeals to leaders for a water source, their concerns have been ignored. She called on candidates seeking votes for the district leadership to prioritise water issues.
Dr Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, NRM director of mobilisation, dancing with NRM village leaders in Karama village in Buhimba sub-county. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
In her address, Dr Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, the NRM director of mobilisation, said all the residents' concerns are in the NRM manifesto and urged them to vote for the party candidate, who will work well with the president to deliver better services.
She noted that the Government gives each district sh1 billion every financial year for road rehabilitation and promised that the issue of roads will be handled once the district gets good leaders.
Francis Kazini, the Kikuube district NRM chairperson and MP for Buhaguzi County, called for unity among NRM supporters if the party flagbearer is to win the forthcoming election.
He noted that they are mobilising and doing everything possible to ensure they woo all those who have been supporting Philip Mbabazi, who was disqualified over academic papers, to support Kisembo.
Kisembo said his campaign focuses on improving service delivery to ensure a better life for the community.
"We need to serve our people; we need to see our people getting clean water and our schools having enough teachers, structures and a favourable learning environment; health facilities having health workers and drugs, as well as improve agriculture and roads,” he said and urged the Kikuube residents to support his bid.
NUP's Timanyire, on the other hand, asked residents to support him, saying he will focus on improving education, health and advocating for youth empowerment in the district.