Rukiga Voters Urged to Reject Politics of ‘Salt and Soap’

Rukiga, Uganda – Voters in Rukiga District have been urged to reject Political candidates who attempt to buy their support with salt and soap in the upcoming elections.

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The call was made by Lawyer Kiconco Patrick Katabazi, who addressed “Rukiga Women for KP”, a group of 210 female volunteers who have come together to champion his campaign to represent Rukiga County in the 12th Parliament.

Speaking during the ceremony to launch the group at Summit Safaris Hotel in Muhanga Town Council, Counsel Katabazi decreid the sluggish pace of development in Rukiga compared to other districts established around the same time.

“Just look at Rubanda, which is only a year older than us. They are building a District Hospital and have already launched several key projects, while Rukiga continues to lag behind. Take a look at our roads, schools, and health facilities—can anyone honestly tell me if we are progressing.” he challenged.

Counsel Kiconco Patrick Katabazi addressing the Women at Summit Safaris Hotel, Muhanga

Katabazi pinned the district’s stagnation on ineffective representation in parliament and people who bribe their way into positions of leadership.

“Too often, we elect leaders simply because they’ve handed out small items like salt and soap. As a result, we have no leverage to demand accountability—because they never promised us anything substantial in the first place,” he noted.

He urged voters to be vigilant and demand clear, issue-based manifestos from all candidates, warning against those who lack a solid development agenda for Rukiga, especially in critical sectors like service delivery.

CUE… IN KP ON SALT AND SOAP

Drawing inspiration from the Biblical story of David, Katabazi said he felt called, despite his humble beginnings, to lead a transformative agenda for Rukiga.

“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 tackle the harmful divisions being sown by some leaders along social, economic, and geographical lines.

CUE… IN KP ON DIVISIONS

His sentiments were echoed by his wife, Ms. Kiconco Pamela Katushabe, who urged women to prioritize leaders focused on uplifting Rukiga’s social-economic standards.

“Let’s choose leaders who will elevate Rukiga to better standards—not those who offer salt and soap, but those committed to advocating for quality schools, modern health facilities, better roads, reliable electricity, and clean water,” Ms. Katushabe emphasized. “We must lay a strong foundation now for the next generation of leaders to build upon.”

CUE IN…KATUSHABE ON STANDARD

Rukiga District is currently represented in Parliament by Rolland Ndyomugyenyi Bish and Ms. Caroline Kamusiime Muhwezi. Carved out of Kabale District in 2017, Rukiga has an estimated population of around 130,000 who are mostly practicing agriculture as the main source of income, yet it remains among the least developed districts in the Kigezi Sub-region.

Among the pressing challenges: Rukiga still lacks its own District Hospital, forcing residents to travel long distances to Kabale for certain medical and court services. The district also operates with just two Health Centre IV facilities and has only one ambulance, which is stationed at Mparo Health Centre IV.