RUKIGA, UGANDA – Renowned businessman Katareiha Alban, proprietor of a popular pork joint enterprise, has officially entered the political arena, a move that has stirred the local political landscape.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Alban was successfully nominated on Friday as an independent candidate for the directly elected LC V Councilor seat representing Muhanga Town Council in the Rukiga District Council.
The nomination ceremony took place at the Rukiga District Electoral Commission head offices in Muhanga Town Council, marking a significant shift from the boardroom to the council room for the business mogul.
Speaking to our reporter after his nomination, Hon. Alban outlined his motivation for entering the race, citing a need for improved leadership and stating Muhanga Town Council has “lagged behind in development due to a lack of good leaders.”
“I believe Muhanga Town Council deserves better. For too long, we have seen a stagnation that hinders our community’s potential. It is time for a new direction focused on tangible development and effective representation,” Alban stated.
Alban revealed that his decision to run as an independent candidate was directly influenced by an overwhelming wave of grassroots support from constituents who felt underserved by the traditional political apparatus.
He confirmed that he did not participate in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries but was subsequently approached by a broad base of constituents following the party’s selection process.
“After the primaries, I received several complaints from both NRM members and opposition supporters. They collectively stressed that I could be the right leader to take the town council forward. I am answering that call to service,” he explained.
The race for the Muhanga Town Council LC V seat is now one of the district’s most hotly contested, with Alban’s entry bringing the field to four candidates three independents and one official NRM flagbearer setting the stage for a highly competitive campaign period.
Meanwhile, Hon. Tushabomwe Merab was also nominated on Friday to contest for the Woman LC V Councilor seat representing Muhanga Town Council in the upcoming 2026 General Elections.
Also standing as an independent candidate, Hon. Merab stated that her mission is to champion the interests of women at the grassroots level, who she believes have been consistently neglected.
“My presence in the district council will steer the development of grassroots communities and ensure neglected village women have a strong voice for their welfare,” Merab declared.
The entry of these two high-profile independent candidates signals a dynamic and closely watched electoral battle ahead in Muhanga Town Council, with voters anticipating a vigorous debate on issues of development, representation, and local governance.
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