Dr. Sylvia Alinaitwe Launches Bid for Rukiga Woman MP Seat Amid Roaring Support
Frank Semata 
In a highly energized campaign launch, Dr. Sylvia Alinaitwe Mwanaki, former Deputy Managing Director of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (Finance & Administration), officially declared her candidacy for the Rukiga District Woman Member of Parliament seat in the 2026 general elections.
Her declaration comes amid growing anticipation and political tension in Rukiga, as the district gears up for what is shaping to be one of the most hotly contested races in years.
Dr. Alinaitwe, a well-known technocrat and development advocate, was welcomed by a massive crowd of NRM diehard supporters at Kantare Playground, in an electrifying event that was nothing short of a political spectacle.
The campaign procession kicked off earlier in the day from Muhanga Town, led by a vibrant live band, traditional dancers, and hundreds of boda riders and foot marchers clad in yellow—the color of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“A lot has been done, but a lot is still yet to be achieved,” Dr. Alinaitwe told supporters in her address.
“That is why I’m offering myself to add a brick to what has already been built, so we can take Rukiga’s development to another level.”
Speaking about economic transformation, Dr. Alinaitwe emphasized her commitment to empowering the people of Rukiga through sustainable income-generating initiatives.
She highlighted her ongoing coffee project, a district-wide effort designed to provide households with stable and long-term sources of income.
“We want to improve and better the incomes of our people. That’s why I started with the coffee project—to ensure our people have something sustainable,” she said.
She further encouraged the formation of SACCOs and cooperatives, citing them as vital vehicles for economic empowerment.
“We have mobilized women, we have mobilized the youth. Our unity factor is development,” she added, to loud applause.
In a show of growing political influence, several Members of Parliament from across the country graced the launch event, standing in solidarity with Dr. Alinaitwe and endorsing her leadership vision.
The MPs hailed her technocratic experience, integrity, and results-driven approach to service delivery.
Her entry into the race significantly changes the dynamics of the Rukiga political landscape.
The current Woman MP, Hon. Caroline Kamusiime Muhwezi, who has held the seat since 2017 when Rukiga was carved out of Kabale District, is now facing her most formidable challenger yet.
As the country heads toward the 2026 general elections, political observers note a growing sense of anxiety and tension in Rukiga.
The race for the Woman MP seat is expected to become a political showdown between incumbency and reform, as voters weigh the legacy of Hon. Kamusiime against the promise and vision of Dr. Alinaitwe.
Residents across Rukiga are already voicing a desire for stronger representation, more inclusive development, and transparency in leadership.
Dr. Alinaitwe’s campaign launch ignited conversations in homes, radio talk shows, and marketplaces—clearly signaling a turning tide in the district’s political mood.
Despite the political undercurrents, Dr. Alinaitwe used her platform to call for peaceful engagement and unity among all stakeholders.
“This campaign is not about personal ambition—it is about collective progress,” she said
With her grassroots support swelling and a practical agenda resonating across social groups, Dr. Sylvia Arinaitwe is a determined contender who promises to turn political will into tangible action for Rukiga District.
