By Julius Akanyijuka
Rukungiri-Annah Niwagaba Tumuramye, a candidate vying for the Rukungiri District Woman Member of Parliament seat, has urged residents of Kafujo Cell in Rweshama Parish, Bwambara Sub-county, to embrace handcrafts and other vocational skills as a means to supplement their household income and develop new livelihoods.
Niwagaba made the remarks while addressing residents at Kafujo Trading Centre as she continued her open campaign trail ahead of the 2026 general elections.
She emphasized the importance of vocational engagement, particularly among women and youth, as a pathway to economic empowerment.
“Handcrafts and hands-on work are not only income-generating activities but also offer opportunities to preserve culture and improve livelihoods,” Niwagaba told her supporters.
During the rally, Niwagaba also shared her manifesto, expressing deep concern over the deteriorating road infrastructure, limited access to clean water, and challenges in the health and education sectors in Rweshama Parish. She pledged to prioritize lobbying for improved service delivery if elected to Parliament.
As part of her economic empowerment strategy, Niwagaba urged residents to consider planting cocoa, noting its potential to diversify income streams and boost household earnings. “Cocoa is a valuable cash crop. If promoted properly, it can help transform our rural economy,” she said.
Residents Call for Urgent Intervention Local leaders and residents, including Musasizi Barneda, Dan Kwijuka, and Amzan Ahimbisibwe the Rweshama Parish Councilor and Speaker of Bwambara Sub-county warmly welcomed Niwagaba but did not shy away from highlighting the major challenges their community continues to face.“Our biggest problems are poor road networks, lack of clean water, and no electricity,” said Ahimbisibwe.
“We are calling upon political leaders and development partners to intervene urgently and address these needs.”
Local Government Responds Responding to the concerns, the LC3 Chairperson of Bwambara Sub-county acknowledged the challenges, particularly the water crisis, which he confirmed remains a pressing issue in Kafujo and surrounding areas.“We understand the pain our people are going through. As local leaders, we are actively seeking solutions and we ask for your continued patience as we work towards sustainable interventions,” he stated.
Niwagaba concluded her visit by assuring residents that their voices will shape her development priorities, and promised to be a strong advocate for tangible improvements in roads, water access, education, and healthcare if given the mandate to serve.
