Fort Portal Mayoral Race: Women Make History, Candidates Showcase Visions for Inclusive Growth

Strategic Insights -

As the 2026 General Election in Uganda draws near, the Fort Portal City Mayoral race has heated up, attracting several candidates, including two women, Ms. Sylvia Kihunde and Ms. Stella Marunga, who are vying for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party ticket. This development marks a significant shift in the city's political landscape, reflecting a growing wave of female political ambition. The mayoral race has become even more competitive with the presence of seasoned technocrats, political veterans, and newcomers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two women, Ms. Sylvia Kihunde and Ms. Stella Marunga, are making history by running for the NRM party ticket in the Fort Portal City Mayoral race.
  • The incumbent Mayor, Edison Asaba Ruyonga, will not defend his seat but will instead contest as an independent MP candidate for Fort Portal Central Division.
  • The mayoral candidates have diverse backgrounds, with Ms. Marunga being a retired teacher and Ms. Kihunde a former NUP MP hopeful, among others.
  • The candidates are pitching various development blueprints, focusing on areas such as infrastructure, tourism, education, and innovation.
  • Several of the candidates, including Ms. Marunga and Mr. Albert Ahebwa, the current city speaker, are emphasizing the importance of inclusive governance, diversity, equity, and technology.
  • Candidates, like Mr. Robert Bwango Rwakasenyi, are calling for a comprehensive city master plan to attract investors and broaden the city's tax base.
  • The mayoral race has attracted a mix of seasoned technocrats, political veterans, and newcomers, setting the stage for what could be a transformative electoral season.

Statistics:

  • 7 mayoral aspirants are eyeing the Fort Portal City Mayor's seat.
  • 6 Candidates are vying for the NRM party ticket in the primaries.
  • Ms. Stella Marunga is a retired teacher who previously served as the deputy mayor for 2.5 years.
  • Ms. Sylvia Kihunde ran for the city Woman MP seat on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket in 2021 but lost.
  • Incumbent Mayor Edison Asaba Ruyonga has held the position for 5 years.
  • 9,699 people voted for Rev Kintu Willy Muhanga in the 2021 mayoral election.
  • 15,312 people voted for incumbent Mayor Edison Asaba Ruyonga in the 2021 mayoral election.

Sources:

  • Uganda government documents on women in politics
  • Fort Portal City Mayoral Race Updates
  • Uganda NRM party press releases on 2026 General Election