Senior Journalist Job Namanya Apuuli Declares Bid for Kitagwenda County MP Seat in 2031–2036 Term

Job Namanya Apuuli, the Chief Executive Officer of Apuuli Foundation and a seasoned media practitioner, has officially declared his intention to contest for the Kitagwenda County Member of Parliament seat in the 2031–2036 electoral term.

Apuuli announced his political ambitions while addressing members of the media, saying he is ready to serve the people of Kitagwenda County and champion the district’s development through effective representation in Parliament.

He criticized previous leaders who have represented Kitagwenda County, accusing them of failing to address the needs and concerns of the people who entrusted them with leadership.

“Many leaders have not remained connected to the people who voted for them. Instead of focusing on the interests of the electorate, some have prioritized personal gains over public service,” Apuuli said.

Job Namanya Apuuli, a resident of Omurwera Cell in Kabujogera Town Council, Kitagwenda District, noted that his more than 13 years of experience in the media industry have given him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. He explained that his work as a journalist with Vision Group and, currently, Tayari Media has enabled him to interact with communities across different regions of Uganda, helping him gain firsthand knowledge of the issues affecting voters and local communities.

“Working in the media has exposed me to the real struggles of the people. Even while working outside Kitagwenda, particularly in the Kigezi region, I have learned valuable lessons about leadership, accountability, and service delivery,” he said.

Apuuli revealed that before fully launching his campaign, he intends to conduct extensive research on the key challenges affecting Kitagwenda District. Among the issues he highlighted are poor infrastructure, inadequate road networks, and governance concerns that have negatively affected the district’s image.

“There is a need to assess the infrastructure situation in our district. Kitagwenda still lacks sufficient tarmac roads, and there are several scandals that have tarnished the district’s reputation. These issues must be addressed if we are to achieve meaningful development,” he said.

He added that many communities in Kitagwenda continue to face challenges such as poor road networks, limited access to services, and other development concerns that require urgent attention.

When asked how he intends to finance his political campaign given the common perception that media professionals earn modest incomes, Apuuli said successful campaigns are not necessarily built on money alone.

“Many politicians spend huge sums of money because they lack effective communication with the voters. My strategy is to remain close to the people, listen to their concerns, and share a clear vision that will inspire them to support me,” he explained.

Apuuli also pointed to the recently launched Apuuli Foundation, a non-governmental organization, which he said will help facilitate research and community engagement activities aimed at identifying and addressing local challenges.

In addition, he disclosed that he is a member of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a civic organization led by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Currently, Kitagwenda County is represented in Parliament by Hon. Robert Mugabe of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who won the parliamentary seat with a commanding victory in the most recent elections.

According to official results announced by Kitagwenda District Returning Officer Francis Kagoro, Mugabe secured 33,249 votes, representing 68.6 percent of the total votes cast.

His closest challenger, Abbas Agaba Mugisha, garnered 10,193 votes, equivalent to 21.03 percent. Nulu Byamukama finished third with 1,881 votes (3.88 percent), followed by Emmanuel Arinaitwe with 1,727 votes (3.56 percent).

George William Spencer received 631 votes (1.30 percent), African Arinaitwe polled 506 votes (1.09 percent), while Mubarak Nsamba came last with 280 votes, representing 0.58 percent of the total votes cast.

As the 2031 general elections remain several years away, Apuuli’s declaration signals the beginning of what could become a highly competitive race for the Kitagwenda County parliamentary seat.

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