Esther Kadhaya Mirembe Kafuko has declared interest for Bugiri district Woman MP Seat.
She will be contesting in 2026 general elections first in the NRM party primaries and this would be her second shot at this seat having lost in the party primaries some time back.
However Kadhaya Mirembe complains that the elections these days have been so monetarized and that voters end up choosing wrong leaders.
“My political journey began in 2014-2015 when I contested for the NRM ticket, but the incumbent retained the seat. I, however, gracefully rallied behind my opponent, adhering to NRM party principles. I chose not to contest again in 2021, giving my fellow NRM candidate another opportunity to serve, but now, the time has come for me to step into leadership” she said.
Speaking to the eastafricanwatch.net in an interview today, Kadhaya said her dedication to serving the people of Bugiri remains unwavering.
“I am committed to restoring the district’s glory. My understanding of grassroots issues and my ability to connect with people from all walks of life sets me apart.
I know the struggle of making ends meet and the weight of broken systems that fail to serve the people. I am now determined to bring my wealth of experience, practical knowledge, and compassion to the role of Woman MP for Bugiri District, focusing on poverty alleviation, better healthcare, improving education, and empowering the youth” she added.
Kadhaya said however complains that one of her most significant concerns is the monetization of elections and how money influences voters.
“The people of Bugiri deserve to elect leaders based on merit and integrity, not on financial incentives. I firmly stand against this form of political manipulation and strive to bring transparency and fairness to the political process in Bugiri” she added.
“As I gear up for the 2026 parliamentary elections, I, Esther Kadhaya Mirembe Kafuko, ask for your support. I envision a Bugiri where leaders serve the people with humility, healthcare and education thrive, and every person has the opportunity to succeed. My journey is one of resilience, faith, and a deep-rooted commitment to the welfare of my people. My vision for Bugiri is clear: I aim to create a community where everyone can access quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. I am committed to addressing critical issues such as improving infrastructure, supporting agriculture, and empowering women and youth for a brighter future” Kadhaya said.
Esther Kadhaya’s family background and career path
Esther Kadhaya Mirembe Kafuko is the firstborn child of Pastor Situma Benson and Mrs. Situma Jessica Namaganda, originally hailing from Butema village.
I am a mother and married to Pastor Kadhaya Geoffrey. Growing up in a humble and faith-driven household, my upbringing was deeply rooted in the teachings of Christianity, and my life’s mission has been anchored in a strong sense of service to others. As a devout born-again Christian and a leader in God’s kingdom, this personal journey has shaped me into the woman of integrity and compassion I am today.
My family moved to Bugiri Municipality, Nkusi Ward, Mukuba cell due to the challenges of rebel activity, and it was here that my life took a new direction. I completed my primary education in Butema, sat my O-Level exams at Bukooli College Bugiri, and continued my education at St. James S.S. in Jinja for my A- Level. I later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Physical Planning at Makerere University, a field I was passionate about as it related to community development.
Though my academic background was in urban planning, I could not secure a job in my field of expertise. Hence, I was drawn to community work, discovering my true calling as a social worker. Since my studies had included a course unit in planning for vulnerable groups, this aligned with my passion for uplifting marginalized and neglected communities.
This shift into social work allowed me to engage more deeply with people’s struggles, from healthcare challenges to poverty and unemployment.
From 2001 to 2014, I served with Compassion International, an organization dedicated to supporting needy children, providing me a front-row seat to the issues plaguing the community. I worked closely with orphans, the disabled, the poor, and the unemployed, seeing firsthand the desperation and need for strong, compassionate leadership. This work fueled my commitment to become a voice for the voiceless in my district.
My drive for leadership comes from my belief that healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic empowerment are essential for Bugiri’s progress.
My professional journey and various post-graduate certifications and diplomas give me the practical expertise to address these issues. My experience uniquely positions me to tackle the critical problems Bugiri’s residents’ face.
