ANT's Karuhanga on Independent Decision: Voters Asked I Come in a Different Package

The Alliance for National Transformation spokesperson Gerald Karuhanga has defended his decision to contest the Ntungamo Municipality MP as an independent candidate, arguing that many Ugandans are more concerned about healthcare, jobs and education than political party affiliations.

Gerald Karuhanga has defended his decision to contest as an independent candidate, a move that saw him part ways with the Alliance for National Transformation, arguing that voters are more concerned with service delivery than political affiliations.

Karuhanga, who contested as an independent candidate in the January 15 parliamentary elections, secured 3,967 votes to defeat incumbent Yona Musinguzi of the National Resistance Movement, who polled 2,824 votes.

Independent candidate Edward Beyendeza came third with 476 votes, while Godwin Rubahamya of the National Unity Platform, finished fourth with 141 votes.

Speaking to journalists shortly after being sworn in at Parliament Buildings on Thursday during the second day of the swearing-in ceremony, Karuhanga said his political decision was informed by realities on the ground and the evolving dynamics of Uganda’s politics.

“I think a leader is one who reads circumstances and appreciates the given situation, and then comes up with an effective approach,” he said.

“I tried to run on the ANT in 2021, and I realised that my area was not ready, and they were not ready for the form that I had presented myself in," he said.

"And no wonder, even this time when I had no intentions of running, they came looking for me and said, ‘Would you mind coming differently? Because we still need you.’ In fact, I made the decision to run towards the nomination days.”

Karuhanga acknowledged that the Opposition still faces major challenges in spreading its message across the country, noting that many Ugandans remain focused on practical issues affecting their daily lives.

“So I think one thing I have learned about our country is that people care about what affects their lives. They are not as keen yet on our partisan linings or organisations,” he said.

“They are keener on, if I have a sick child, will I find medicine in the hospital? Can I find money for school fees? Can I find a job for my child? The fact is, in some areas, the opposition hasn't made clear strides, so that we have a challenge. I hope we can make a difference.”

Karuhanga further revealed that one of his major priorities in the 12th Parliament will be advocating for the establishment of a National Health Insurance policy aimed at improving access to healthcare services for Ugandans.

He called for a collective and bipartisan approach in addressing national issues, saying Parliament must unite on policies that directly impact citizens.

“So, in the circumstances, you may have to focus, for instance, on trying to push some of the national health insurance campaigns,” he said.

“I think if we manage this in a collective and comprehensive approach, maybe government may realise that the entire Parliament is speaking the same language on this particular issue, and so are Ugandans," he said.

"So, I hope that we shall apply that collective and comprehensive approach that brings everyone together, brings everyone on board. Maybe that way, government could really feel what Ugandans really want and take it seriously.”

Karuhanga is a familiar figure in Uganda’s national politics and has built a reputation as an outspoken legislator and anti-corruption advocate.

While a student at Makerere University, he was elected guild president in 2006 on the ticket of the Forum for Democratic Change.

In March 2011, he entered Parliament as Youth Member of Parliament for Western Uganda, where he later served as chairperson of the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption Uganda Chapter and vice-chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee.

Karuhanga gained national attention during the controversial age limit debate after returning Shs29 million allocated to Members of Parliament for constituency consultations, describing the money as a bribe intended to compromise legislators and voters.

He was later among several MPs suspended from Parliament by then Speaker Rebecca Kadaga over their conduct during the “Togikwatako” campaign opposing the removal of presidential age limits.

Karuhanga also featured prominently in the events surrounding the 2018 Arua Municipality by-election violence, when he was arrested and detained by police following an incident involving the presidential motorcade.

He was later released on bail and appeared before Gulu High Court later that month.

After serving as Youth MP for Western Uganda, Karuhanga successfully contested for the Ntungamo Municipality parliamentary seat in 2016 before losing it in 2021 to Musinguzi.

His latest victory marks a political comeback, returning him to Parliament five years after his previous defeat and reaffirming his enduring influence in Ntungamo Municipality politics.