The political atmosphere in Kyenjojo was Thursday filled with renewed energy and hope as Natukunda Innocent Bitariho, popularly known as the “Lion of Mwenge”, duly nominated to contest for Member of Parliament for Mwenge North Constituency.
A committed member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Natukunda also serves as the Team Leader for NUP in the Tooro Sub region, where he has been key in strengthening the party’s structures and mobilizing grassroots support across Western Uganda.
Drawing inspiration from the NUP Manifesto, Natukunda’s campaign is built on service, accountability, and community transformation.
He says his ambition is not to join politicians who seek attention through ceremonies, but to deliver meaningful results that uplift the people.
“I don’t seek to be known for attending burials,” Natukunda said. “I want to be known for lobbying for health centers that have both drugs and medical staff, for ensuring our roads are improved so that pregnant mothers can reach hospitals safely, and for championing agricultural mechanization to end hunger and boost incomes for our farmers.”
As a professional engineer and the only one in the race, Natukunda promises to use his expertise to improve infrastructure and service delivery. He pointed out that piped water coverage in Mwenge North is below 10 percent, leaving many families struggling to access clean and safe water.
“It is unacceptable that in this era, our people still walk long distances to fetch water. As an engineer, I understand both the problem and the solution. I will prioritize water, electricity, and roads because these are the foundations of real development,” he said.
Natukunda also expressed disappointment with the growing number of Members of Parliament, saying the House has become large but less productive.
“We now have one of the biggest parliaments in the world, yet the contribution of many MPs equals their absence,” he stated. “One of the bills I plan to table will seek to reduce the size of Parliament and raise the standards and qualifications for leadership to make it more effective and efficient.”
He further called for the creation of a Consumer Protection Unit, noting that many Ugandans are victims of fraud and substandard goods, while the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has fallen into what he described as “total slumber.”
“We must protect the ordinary Ugandan from dishonest business practices and fake products. People deserve value for their hard-earned money, and that can only be achieved through strong consumer protection laws,” he emphasized.
In his broader reform agenda, Natukunda called for the restoration of presidential term limits and age limits in the Constitution to strengthen democracy and ensure peaceful transfer of power. He also pledged to advocate for minimum and maximum wage legislation, saying Uganda must give its workers fair pay and dignity.
“When Ugandans are underpaid and overworked, they lose hope and faith in their country. We need a wage system that guarantees fairness and reduces the export of our labor. Our professionals should find pride and purpose in serving their own country,” he noted.
As he begins his campaign, Natukunda is calling on supporters and well-wishers to contribute financial and logistical support to help reach every village in Mwenge North. He remains alert to the threat of electoral malpractice, which he says has become common in the region.
“We know the regime depends on vote rigging, but this time we are ready to guard every vote. The people’s voice will not be silenced,” he said.
Natukunda Innocent Bitariho’s nomination has ignited fresh hope among the people of Mwenge North.
His message of integrity, courage, and people-centered leadership continues to inspire many who believe he represents a new generation of leaders ready to rebuild Uganda — one that serves the people, not power.
