BREAKING NEWS: Kasese District Boss James Mbahimba Speaks Out on Mayoral Bid Rumors

By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Kasese NRM District Chairperson and former Ambassador James Mbahimba has refuted widespread claims suggesting he plans to contest for Mayor of Kasese Municipality in the upcoming 2026 General Elections.
This clarification comes amid growing speculation that Mbahimba would be entering the race against three already-declared aspirants vying for the influential municipal seat.
Addressing the rumors directly, Mbahimba dismissed the claims as baseless and politically misleading.

“I want to make it clear that I am not running for Mayor of Kasese Municipality. My current focus is on strengthening cohesion within the NRM party and ensuring victory for our National Chairperson, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” he stated.
The statement by the veteran politician comes as political activity intensifies in Kasese ahead of the 2026 elections, with various camps mobilizing support and shaping narratives around key positions.

Mbahimba, who also previously served as Uganda’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasized that his priority remains national service and party unity, rather than engaging in competitive municipal politics at this time.
His remarks are likely to settle some of the speculation swirling within political circles in Kasese and across the Rwenzori region, where his influence remains significant.
Observers say Mbahimba’s reaffirmed loyalty to the NRM top leadership could give a strategic boost to the party’s grassroots mobilization efforts in the area, particularly as the ruling party seeks to reclaim ground in opposition-leaning strongholds.