Minister Kabbyanga Vows to Strengthen Uganda–Congo Border Ties After Nomination for Bukonzo West MP Seat

By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale

Kampala, June 20, 2025 — The State Minister for National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga Kiime, has today been duly nominated to contest in the NRM party primaries for the Bukonzo County West parliamentary seat in Kasese District, signaling a high-stakes political battle ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The Bukonzo West seat is currently held by Hon. Atkins Katusabe of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). However, Kabbyanga will first have to face off with veteran politician and former Defence Minister, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, in what promises to be a heated NRM primary contest in the historically competitive constituency.

Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving his nomination at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, Kabbyanga emphasized the urgent need to revitalize bilateral cooperation between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), especially along the shared border in Kasese.

“Trade across the Uganda–Congo border often suffers when there is poor collaboration between leaders from both sides. I am determined to strengthen this relationship to benefit our people—especially the traders whose livelihoods depend on a seamless, secure, and fair trading environment,” Kabbyanga stated.

Kabbyanga, who has previously served as Mayor of Kasese Municipality and is currently a Minister of State, expressed deep concern about the state of social services in Bukonzo County West. He noted that the area continues to lag behind in education, healthcare, and road infrastructure, blaming past leadership for prioritizing personal interests over community development.

“Bukonzo West has been held back for years because some leaders have focused more on political survival than on delivering real change. Our people deserve better. I am offering a tested, experienced, and focused alternative,” Kabbyanga said.

If successful in the primaries, Kabbyanga will face another  electoral challenge against FDC’s Atkins Katusabe, adding more fuel to the already dynamic political atmosphere in Kasese District—a known battleground between opposition forces and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Meanwhile, in Katakwi District, State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, was also nominated to contest in the NRM primaries for Ngariam County. Ogwang vowed to uplift the standards of sports not only in his constituency but also across the country, calling for more investment in grassroots talent and infrastructure.

“We are going to take sports to the next level—both nationally and at the constituency level. Young people need structured platforms to thrive, and I intend to deliver that,” Ogwang said.

As the NRM primary season gains momentum, several high-profile figures, including ministers and veteran politicians, are throwing their hats into the ring—setting the stage for a highly competitive run-up to the 2026 general elections.