By Naome Namusoke/ KMA UPDATES
Kampala, Uganda | June 2025 — As Uganda moves closer to the highly anticipated 2026 General Elections, the race for various political positions is intensifying. Among the contenders emerging with a bold vision for transformation is Esther Majambere Kanyaruharo, who has officially returned her nomination forms to the NRM Electoral Commission Headquarters to contest as the Woman Member of Parliament for Kanungu District for the term 2026–2031.
Esther Majambere, a respected community mobilizer and advocate for grassroots empowerment, declared her intentions to bring tangible change to the people of Kanungu. While addressing the media after submitting her nomination forms, Majambere emphasized her commitment to addressing the socio-economic challenges that have slowed the district’s progress.
“The time for change is now. I am ready to offer effective and transparent leadership that listens to and delivers for the people.”
Located in the southwestern part of Uganda, Kanungu District borders the Democratic Republic of Congo and is part of the Kigezi sub-region. It was carved out of Rukungiri District in 2001 and has since grown into a vibrant, though under-resourced, district with great economic and tourism potential.
Kanungu is home to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Uganda’s most treasured eco-tourism destinations, famous for its mountain gorillas. Despite this global attraction, the wider district continues to grapple with poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and underinvestment in healthcare and education.
The local economy primarily relies on subsistence farming, with tea, bananas, beans, and Irish potatoes being the main crops. Smallholder farmers often face challenges such as poor post-harvest handling, lack of credit, and fluctuating prices. The district also has a growing but untapped potential in cross-border trade with the DRC, which could be harnessed to improve household incomes.
According to the NRM Electoral Roadmap, primary elections are scheduled to take place on 16th July 2026. As the date draws nearer, Majambere has called upon all residents of Kanungu to rally behind her vision, which she says is grounded in inclusive development, youth empowerment, and fighting poverty.
“I am not here to make empty promises. I am bringing a people-first approach to leadership, one that prioritizes service delivery, road improvement, support for women’s groups, and building partnerships that will unlock Kanungu’s full potential,” Majambere stated.
Her message has already begun resonating with many residents, especially women and youth who have long felt excluded from meaningful policy discussions and development plans.
If successful in the upcoming NRM primaries, Esther Majambere Kanyaruharo will move one step closer to representing Kanungu in the 12th Parliament. Her candidacy marks a new chapter in the district’s political landscape, and many await to see whether her promise of transformation will secure the support of the electorate.
As political activities intensify, all eyes remain on Kanungu to witness whether this ambitious leader’s call for change will be answered at the ballot box.