STAFF REPORTER
Andrew Kikira Ankunda has officially launched his bid for the Rukungiri Municipality NRM flag to contest in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.
Speaking to the media on Sunday morning at his ancestral home in Rukungiri Municipality, Ankunda expressed his commitment to representing the people of Rukungiri in Parliament, emphasizing his dedication to the development of Rukungiri municipality.
Ankunda, a businessman currently working internationally, highlighted key areas he plans to improve once elected, including education, infrastructure development, and healthcare. He noted that these sectors are currently underperforming in Rukungiri Municipality and require urgent intervention. Leveraging his leadership expertise, he pledged to bring positive change and improved services to the people of Rukungiri municipality.
“It is surprising how other districts in the Kigezi sub-region have referral hospitals, improved transport networks, and better healthcare services, yet Rukungiri Municipality lags behind. My focus will be to address these gaps and ensure our people receive the services they deserve,” Ankunda stated.
He further emphasized the need for a university in Rukungiri, asserting that such an institution does not necessarily have to be government-funded. According to Ankunda, passionate leaders can lobby investors to establish a university that will serve the municipality’s growing educational needs.
Ankunda assured the public that his leadership will be inclusive, particularly prioritizing youth and women, who he believes have long been sidelined in development programs. He pledged to champion policies and initiatives that empower these groups, fostering equal opportunities for all residents of Rukungiri Municipality.
Addressing concerns about the influence of religion in local politics, Ankunda called for unity and a focus on service delivery. He urged the people of Rukungiri to move beyond religious divides, emphasizing that developments such as hospitals and universities benefit everyone, regardless of their religious affiliation.
“My leadership will prioritize development over religious differences. When a hospital or university is established, it serves all people, not just those of a particular faith. I encourage the people of Rukungiri to embrace leaders who prioritize progress rather than religious interests,” he remarked.
As the race for the Rukungiri Municipality NRM flag intensifies, Ankunda’s entry into the competition sets the stage for a dynamic political contest. His vision for a more developed and inclusive municipality has already sparked discussions among residents, who are eager to see a significant transformation in Rukungiri Municipality.
