Am Stephen Rupiiha Habimaana, the just recent concluded elections2026 LC5 chairman candidate Kabale District. First of all I must thank the voters all over the district who voted for me because of many reasons that include having been a senior journalist I have served in Several media houses , Radio Uganda, UBC , voice of Kigezi, Nbs TV and Revival radio (Diocese of Kigezi) more to this the voters supported and voted for me because of my Newtral and developmental manifesto , but most importantly i was the only unifying factor in the election , this is because I studied from Kigezi high school primary and secondary school at St Mary’s college Rushoroza for 6 years .
Presenting my manifesto using different platforms during my campaigns and interaction with voters, my number one point of emphasis was unity of the people of Kabale having studied, observed and researched to know that the biggest problem and stumbling block to Kabale District development was religious and other forms of sectarianism. I pledged to fight the scourge and bring unity.
Other issues are fighting corruption and industrialization through skilling the youth and attracting investors in the district for tourism mineral and infrastructural development. Unfortunately , because of many factors that include voter bribery, votes stuffing, buying off my agents, low voters turn out, which gave a lee way to opponents to do multiple voting through their agents and sectarianism, where by i was branded a sympatherser to Catholics played a big role in denying me victory, without forgetting the factor that I didn’t participate in NRM primaries despite the fact that am one , I was fought seriously using money.
I didn’t participate in primaries because during that time my father was sick of prostate cancer and he eventually died. During the talk shows on VOK I warned the people of Kabale to avoid voting according to religion but rather capability and vision for Kabale, unity and sustainable development but they were overwhelmed by money given to them and sectarian influences.
As I see things, we are going to remain in the vicious circle of religious fights and revenges. The people of Kabale District will take time to heal and unite for development unless something is done. I rest my case, and once again, I thank those who understood my message and voted me.
The above opinion was written by Stephen Rupiiha. (senior journalist).
