RUKUNGIRI- Kabano Apollo Kyabarongo’s declaration to contest as a member of parliament for Rukungiri Municipality under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party reflects Uganda’s political landscape, where the NRM has been the ruling party since 1986, maintaining a majority in parliament.
The mention of Rukungiri District, located in Uganda’s Western Region, ties the post to a specific geographic and political context, with the district known for its political figures like Kizza Besigye, a prominent opposition leader and former presidential candidate.
The post’s reference to collaborating with the NRM party and the Electoral Commission for a peaceful election occurs against a backdrop of regional political tensions, as seen in neighboring Rwanda, where elections have been criticized for suppressing opposition and electoral fraud.
Apollo Kabano Kyabarongo, an aspiring Member of Parliament (MP) for Rukungiri Municipality in Uganda’s Kigezi sub-region, has announced his intention to contest the 2026-2031 parliamentary seat under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party ticket.
The letter, dated March 14, 2025, expresses his commitment to public service, his passion for serving the Rukungiri community, and his goal to address local challenges while collaborating with the NRM and the Electoral Commission for a peaceful election.
The NRM, led by President Yoweri Museveni since 1986, has been the dominant political party in Uganda. It maintains a strong majority in parliament and has historically controlled key political positions across the country, including in regions like Rukungiri.
Rukungiri District is notable for its political activity, including being the home district of Kizza Besigye, a prominent opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate against Museveni. This creates a dynamic political environment where NRM candidates, like Kabano Apollo, compete in a region with both NRM support and opposition presence.
Rukungiri Municipality and Kigezi Sub-Region:
Rukungiri District is part of the Kigezi sub-region in Western Uganda, known for its agricultural economy (subsistence farming) and limited urban employment opportunities,
Kabano’s campaign focus on addressing economic development, job creation, and infrastructure in Rukungiri Municipality.
The district’s parliamentary representatives, include figures from both the NRM and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), indicating a competitive political landscape where Kabano’s NRM affiliation positions him within the ruling party but also against potential opposition challenges.
Election Timing and Process:
The declaration targets the 2026-2031 parliamentary term, aligning with Uganda’s general election cycle. Uganda typically holds presidential, parliamentary, and local elections every five years, with the last general election occurring in 2021. The 2026 elections will be significant, as they could mark another test of the NRM’s dominance amid growing calls for political reform and youth activism in Uganda.
Kabano’s emphasis on a “peaceful electoral process” reflects the broader challenges Uganda has faced in past elections, including allegations of electoral fraud, voter intimidation, and violence, as noted in reports on Uganda’s electoral history (e.g., the U.S. State Department’s Human Rights Reports and Corruption Perceptions Index.
Personal and Political Background:
Kabano Apollo Kyabarongo,born in a simple family of Canon Stanley Kyabarongo an elder in Rukungiri political formation and administration to the level of Sub county chief in both President Milton Obote regimes and entrepreneur family of the Late KABANO Alfred Kyabarongo and Mrs KABANO Lydia Tuhumwire , born and raised on Republic road and katenga village Rwakabengo, Rukungiri Town he previously ran two terms 2015 /16 and 2020/21 as an independent candidate for the same Rukungiri Municipality MP seat.
This suggests Kabano Apollo Kyabarongo will face an uphill battle within the NRM, against Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde a one-time Presidential candidate and NRM flag bearer Dr Elisa Rutahigwa who is the area MP and many others. He now seeks the NRM party’ nominations.
His shift to the NRM ticket could indicate a strategic move to leverage the party’s resources, voter base, and incumbency advantages in a region where the NRM has significant influence.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Challenges: Kabano Apollo Kyabarongo will need to overcome his previous electoral performance, build trust with Rukungiri municipality voters, and differentiate himself from both NRM rivals and opposition candidates (e.g. FDC, PPF representatives in the district).
Then Corruption and economic issues those are Uganda’s governance challenges, may also be key voter concerns he will need to address.
Opportunities: His NRM affiliation provides access to the party’s infrastructure, including its leadership (e.g., the NRM Party Secretary General and Chairperson, to whom he addressed his declaration to contest in a letter) and grassroots networks.
His focus on community engagement and development could resonate with Rukungiri’s reliance on agriculture and its need for economic growth.
Political Engagement in Uganda: The post highlights an active political process in a specific Ugandan region, which might appeal to someone interested in African politics, democratic transitions, or the NRM’s long-standing dominance.
Local Governance and Development: Rukungiri municipality’s economic and social challenges (e.g., agriculture, limited urban jobs) might resonate with someone focused on local governance, community development, or regional disparities in Uganda.
Election Dynamics: The timing of the declaration (ahead of the 2026 elections) and Kabano Apollo Kyabarongo’s shift from an independent to an NRM candidate could intrigue someone studying electoral strategies, party politics, or political shifts in Uganda.
What is Kabano Apollo Kyabarongo’s political history or achievements that qualify him for this role?
Kabano Apollo Kyabarongo has contested twice as the Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality 2015/16 and 2020/21 general elections, an important position within his constituency. His contest to this seat reflects his significant support and trust from the people of Rukungiri, who believe in his leadership abilities.
Political Party Affiliation: He is a member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, which is the ruling party in Uganda. Being in this party has given him an avenue for influence in government.
Electoral Success: Kyabarongo has consistently contested for the seat of MP Rukungiri Municipality , showcasing his popularity and ability to maintain strong political support in his region.
Community Focus: Kabano Apollo Kyabarongo has been deeply involved in community development projects, farming, poultry and piggery and sports
He has been known for his focus on local issues such as education, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment in particular supported the community of Kanyanga Eastern Division to construct a temporary bridge crossing to rubabo county .His efforts have often focused on improving living standards for his constituents.
Support for Education and Healthcare and job creation: He has been advocating for better educational facilities and healthcare services within his municipality as well as advocating to open up markets on a daily basis in the 3 divisions of Rukungiri Municipality to boost livelihood.
How competitive is the Rukungiri Municipality MP seat, given past election results?
The Rukungiri Municipality MP seat has traditionally been competitive, reflecting a dynamic political landscape and party affiliations, making it a notable battleground in Ugandan elections. The NRM has had significant influence in the region, but opposition candidates have also gained traction, especially when they leverage local issues, economic challenges, or dissatisfaction with the central government.
New entrants like Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde add a new layer of complexity though as unfortunate Old Man falling out with ruling might not appeal to people of Rukungiri he ignored ever since he was sent to represent them as a CA Constituency Assembly Delegate.
Regarding Dr. Kizza Besigye’s recent legal challenges, his detention since November 2024 has drawn national and international attention. In February 2025, he was charged with treachery, a capital offense, and subsequently returned to Luzira Maximum Security Prison due to health concerns. His continued detention has sparked calls from opposition leaders and human rights organizations for his release, citing violations of fair trial protections and human rights.
While Dr. Besigye’s influence in Rukungiri Municipality has been notable, particularly during election periods, his current legal situation may impact his ability to actively campaign or mobilize support in the short term. However, the municipality’s political landscape is shaped by a diverse array of actors and factors, suggesting that the parliamentary seat will remain highly competitive in future elections
What specific policies or visions does Kabano Apollo plan to propose for Rukungiri?
However, like many political candidates in Uganda, especially those running for MP positions, his proposals will likely focus on local issues and concerns that resonate with the voters in the constituency.
Infrastructure Development and Urbanization
Roads and Transport: Like many urban areas in Uganda, Rukungiri faces challenges in road infrastructure, especially with the increasing population and urban sprawl. Apollo might propose plans to improve both urban roads and inter-district connectivity, including better roads to link Rukungiri to the larger national network, thereby facilitating trade and transport.
Public Transport Systems: With urbanization increasing, public transport becomes crucial. Proposals may include plans to introduce or improve a public transport system within the municipality to cover Track Drivers and pickups that do not have a public place for parking
Youth Empowerment and Employment
Youths Employment Programs: Kabano Apollo might focus on creating more opportunities for the youth in Rukungiri, whether through skills development, entrepreneurship programs, or supporting the local economy to absorb more young people into the workforce.
Start-up Support: Considering the rising youth unemployment rate in Uganda, he might propose specific support for young entrepreneurs, including access to affordable loans, grants, and business incubation services to start and grow businesses in Rukungiri.
Health and Education
Health Facilities and Services: There is often a need to improve healthcare infrastructure in many parts of Uganda, including in Rukungiri. Apollo kabano will focus on increasing access to quality healthcare services, particularly in remote areas. This could involve expanding local health centers, improving staffing, or even advocating for more government programs for maternal and child health not forgetting a district Referral Hospital.
Educational Support: Improving education infrastructure is another key area. Kabano Apollo will focus on bettering both primary and secondary schools, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary resources, scholarships or bursaries for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Support for Local Farmers: Agriculture is a critical part of Rukungiri’s economy, with many people depending on subsistence farming. Kabano Apollo proposes policies that focus on improving agricultural productivity, such as providing modern farming tools, training on climate-smart agriculture, and ensuring better access to markets for local produce.
Agricultural Credit and Subsidies: Supporting farmers with easier access to affordable loans or subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, and equipment could be part of his platform to boost food security and the livelihoods of rural communities in the municipality.
Water and Sanitation
Clean Water Access: Access to clean and safe water remains a major challenge in Uganda, especially in more rural parts of the country. Kabano Apollo advocates for programs to increase the availability of clean water in both urban and rural areas of Rukungiri, through the construction of boreholes and better water distribution systems.
Waste Management: Improving sanitation and waste disposal systems in Rukungiri Municipality, particularly as urban populations grow, could be another focus. This would involve working with local authorities to implement effective waste management solutions that miss in Rukungiri Municipality.
Security and Crime Prevention
Community Policing: Security is often a top concern for voters. Apollo Kabano has a proposal of strengthening the relationship between the community and local law enforcement through community policing initiatives, neighborhood watch programs, and ensuring that police stations are adequately resourced to handle crime.
Youth and Crime Prevention: Proposals related to tackling crime could also include programs that offer alternatives to young people, such as sports, mentorship, or vocational training, to prevent them from engaging in criminal activities.
Decentralization and Local Governance
Strengthening Local Governance: Apollo Kabano will focus on improving local governance by advocating for greater autonomy and accountability at the municipal level. This would include ensuring that municipal councils are better equipped to make decisions that directly benefit the people of Rukungiri.
Community Participation in Decision-Making: Encouraging greater civic engagement and participation in local governance could be another important aspect of his policy vision, where citizens are more involved in decisions that affect their daily lives.
Environmental Conservation
Sustainable Development: Given the growing importance of climate change and environmental degradation, Kabano Apollo will emphasize policies focused on sustainable urban development and environmental conservation. This could include promoting tree planting, waste recycling, and sustainable land use practices.
Economic Growth and Investment
Encouraging Investment: As part of his vision, Kabano Apollo will work on attracting investment to Rukungiri Municipality, particularly in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing. Promoting public-private partnerships or working with national development agencies might also be part of his economic strategy.
Improving the Business Environment: Supporting local businesses and creating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship could be central to his economic agenda. He might focus on lowering barriers to entry for small businesses and improving access to finance
Youth and Women Empowerment
Gender Equality Initiatives: Kabano Apollo will advocate for policies that empower women in the region, focusing on access to equal opportunities, education, healthcare, and economic independence.
Social Safety Nets for Vulnerable Groups: Ensuring that vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, have access to support services and protection could form part of his social welfare proposals.
Kabano Apollo effective communicate on how his policies will bring tangible improvements to the lives of Rukungiri residents, while also maintaining loyalty to the NRM’s broader vision, will strengthen his chances of winning the seat. His ability to show that he is both a product of the ruling party and a candidate with a genuine, practical vision for local progress will be crucial in shaping his campaign.
How does the NRM’s dominance in Uganda affect Kabano Apollo chances of winning?
The dominance of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Uganda presents both opportunities and challenges for any candidate running under the NRM banner, including Kabano Apollo, who is seeking the Rukungiri Municipality MP seat.
Incumbent Advantage:
The NRM, led by President Museveni, has had control over Uganda’s political landscape for over three decades. This long-standing governance gives the party a considerable advantage in terms of infrastructure, patronage networks, and deep-rooted political structures. If Kabano Apollo is an NRM candidate (or is strongly aligned with the party), he could benefit from the institutional support of the ruling party, which includes access to resources, logistics, and potentially voter outreach programs.
Many voters in Uganda, particularly in rural and semi-urban constituencies, are loyal to the NRM because of its long-standing presence and the benefits it has provided in terms of development programs (roads, schools, health facilities, etc.). If Kabano Apollo can align his campaign with these development themes and showcase his connection to the party’s successes in the region, it could work in his favor. Voters loyal to the NRM may already view him favorably simply because he is part of the party in power.
Potential Endorsement from Museveni:
If Kabano Apollo receives an endorsement from President Museveni or key party figures, it can significantly boost his chances. The president’s endorsement often plays a critical role in Ugandan elections, especially in areas where loyalty to the NRM is strong. This endorsement can sway undecided voters and bring additional political clout to Kabano Apollo’s campaign.
Party Machinery:
The NRM’s well-established grassroots political structure is a significant advantage in Uganda’s elections. Kabano Apollo will effectively tap into this machinery, using party structures for mobilization, canvassing, and campaigning, he could leverage these resources to win support across the constituency.
Challenges Due to NRM’s Dominance
Local Discontent with NRM Leadership:
While the NRM has broad support, there are pockets of discontent, particularly in areas where people feel neglected or frustrated by the central government’s policies. This is particularly true in regions where there is widespread dissatisfaction with local leadership or perceived failures in development. If Rukungiri Municipality experiences such local discontent, Kabano Apollo may struggle to overcome the negative perceptions that some voters may have of the ruling party.
Opposition Surge:
The rise of strong opposition candidates—like Lt Gen Tumukunde or others—could lead to a fragmentation of the vote. Tumukunde’s presence in the race might pull voters who are looking for an alternative to the ruling party, especially those dissatisfied with NRM’s dominance. If opposition candidates make inroads in Rukungiri, it could be challenging for Kabano Apollo to hold on to NRM’s traditional support base.
NRM Fatigue:
Some voters, especially younger voters or those in urban areas, may feel a sense of “NRM fatigue.” They may be disillusioned with the political establishment and may want change. For Kabano Apollo, this could be a problem if he is viewed as part of the status quo and not offering fresh ideas or solutions. It’s crucial for him to balance his identity within the NRM with a genuine connection to local concerns to avoid being seen as just another politician loyal to the ruling party.
Perception of “NRM Elites”:
The perception that NRM candidates are often from the political elite or are out of touch with the struggles of ordinary citizens could hurt Kabano Apollo if he’s not able to show that he truly understands the needs of the people in Rukungiri. His ability to connect on a personal level with voters will be critical in mitigating this risk.
In Conclusion
Kabano Apollo’s chances of winning the Rukungiri Municipality MP seat will largely depend on how he navigates the political landscape shaped by the NRM’s dominance. If he is able to leverage the party’s strengths—like its infrastructure, resources, and influence—while also addressing local grievances and presenting himself as a candidate who can bring tangible benefits to the community, he could stand a good chance.
Apollo Kabano
@KabanoApollo
