Independent candidates Rev. Kintu Willy Muhanga of Fort Portal City and Edward Isingoma of Hoima City have ended decades of National Resistance Movement (NRM) dominance in the two cities, while Uthuman Mugisa reclaimed the Hoima District LC5 chairpersonship after losing the party primaries last year.
The results, announced late Thursday night and early Friday morning, mean Fort Portal and Hoima cities will now be under independent leadership for the next five years, up to 2031.
In Fort Portal, Rev. Muhanga defeated NRM flag bearer Albert Ahebwa, the outgoing City Speaker, by a narrow margin of 402 votes. City Returning Officer Isaac Byamugisha declared Muhanga the winner with 11,801 votes against Ahebwa’s 11,399. The only female candidate, Sylvia Kihunde, finished third with 224 votes.
Rev. Muhanga, a familiar figure in Fort Portal politics, previously served as Mayor of Fort Portal Municipality and was elected in 2016 as an independent, defeating long-serving mayor Edison Asaba Ruyonga, an NRM candidate. He lost the 2021 mayoral race to Ruyonga, who did not contest this year despite earlier indications of seeking election as MP for Fort Portal Central Division.
Speaking after his declaration, Muhanga said his victory reflected the will of the people. ‘This victory is not personal; it is a win for the people of Fort Portal. During my absence, many developments stagnated due to lack of follow-up. I will start from where I stopped,’ he said. He pledged to improve infrastructure, beautify the city, and restore Fort Portal’s status as one of Uganda’s cleanest cities.
Over the past five years, Muhanga remained active as a development activist in the Tooro sub-region. In March 2023, he and five others were arrested while holding prayers over unfulfilled President Museveni pledges, an action many residents say boosted his popularity. The case was later dismissed.
The Tooro sub-region National Unity Platform (NUP) coordinator, Davis Rwamuhumbu, said the party did not field a candidate and instead rallied behind Muhanga.
‘His values reflect the views of the people of Fort Portal. We believe he understands the real issues affecting the city,’ Rwamuhumbu said.
Hoima City
In Hoima City, Edward Isingoma, an independent candidate and City Council Speaker, defeated incumbent Mayor and NRM flag bearer Brian Kaboyo. Hoima City Returning Officer Orbra Atamba declared Isingoma the winner with 11,709 votes (53.75%) against Kaboyo’s 9,252 votes (42.47%). Other candidates included Mustafa Kahuma (Independent) with 392 votes, Dan Kaija (Independent) with 76 votes, Rashid Tumusiime (NUP) with 238 votes, and Wycliffe Tumusiime (PFF) with 117 votes.
Isingoma, who represents the elderly as a male councillor on Hoima City Council, pledged to prioritise cleanliness, road infrastructure, and income-generating opportunities for youth, women, and the elderly. He highlighted the importance of improved waste management as Hoima prepares to host international visitors for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). ‘I also call for reconciliation and forgiveness among leaders of Hoima City, especially with the outgoing Mayor Brian Kaboyo,’ he said.
Hoima District LC5 Chairperson
Meanwhile, in Hoima District, Uthuman Mugisa, the incumbent district chairperson, regained the LC5 chairperson seat with 25,347 votes, defeating NRM flag bearer Vincent Muhumuza Savana, who received 19,541 votes. Mugisa had lost in the party primaries last year, making this a significant political comeback.