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Jackson Kamugasha
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Political Desk
Bushenyi – The race for Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality Mayor has intensified as former Mayor Jackson Kamugasha makes a comeback, setting up a high-stakes contest with incumbent Richard Byaruhanga and independent candidate Evarist Mucunguzi. Kamugasha, who previously held the mayoral seat for a decade, did not contest in the 2021 general election, stepping aside in favour of his nephew, Kabuura Derrick, who successfully vied for the Municipality's parliamentary seat. After serving one term in Parliament, Kabuura opted not to seek re-election in 2026, paving the way for his uncle’s return to the political arena.
Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality mayor Richard Byaruhanga speaking to the media after nomination
The contest has now shaped up as a three-horse race. Incumbent Mayor Richard Byaruhanga Nestor recently retained the NRM flag, defeating Evarist Mucunguzi Rwambuga, the current Speaker of the Municipality. However, Mucunguzi rejected the outcome, citing irregularities and malpractice, and has since been nominated as an independent candidate. Mucunguzi says his campaign will focus on improving service delivery, with key priorities in roads, markets, and schools, targeting both low- and high-income earners.
In the race; Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality Speaker Evarist Mucunguzi
According to Joseph Tumwijukye, Chairperson of the Bushenyi District Electoral Commission, nominations for Mayor and Councillor positions commenced on Monday and will run for three days. This forms part of the second phase of the Independent Electoral Commission of Uganda’s preparations ahead of next year’s general elections.
Speaking after his nomination at the Bushenyi District headquarters, Kamugasha vowed to pick up where he left off. “Being an independent candidate means serving everybody. I’m here to serve you well because this Municipality was created when I was still Mayor of Ishaka Town Council. I helped it grow from a town council to a Municipality, and it is me who will elevate it to city status,” he said.
Torch Media Africa
