The ruling National Resistance Movement party flagbearer for Hoima City West Member of Parliament, Donald Bategeka, has appealed to residents of Kiduuma Ward to vote for him in the 2026 general elections, saying he will deliver steadfast leadership centred on lobbying for better public services and community empowerment.
Bategeka, who faces four challengers including incumbent MP Dr Joseph Ruyonga who returned as an independent after losing the NRM primaries, spent Tuesday canvassing support in the villages of Kihungura, Kyabaryanga, Kihamba, Kilisa and Nyarugabo.
He told residents that his agenda for Hoima City West goes beyond the NRM manifesto, emphasising improved access to clean water, electricity, enhanced health services and support to youth, women and boda boda groups.
He said he intends to empower these groups with financial literacy and livelihood programmes aimed at reducing poverty.
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"As an NRM flag bearer I will follow our manifesto, but I also have skills in lobbying. I will use my networks to bring better services such as water, power and programmes to get our people out of poverty, especially through initiatives like the chicken project," Bategeka said.
He urged voters to re-elect President Yoweri Museveni and choose NRM candidates at all levels, arguing that it is easier for party flag bearers to secure government attention and resources.
"Vote President Museveni and vote NRM flag bearers so that we can always sit and remind him about our issues, unlike those in the opposition who can't find him. Where will they get good services for the city?" he said.
Bategeka's rivals in the race include independent candidate John Baptist Byaruhanga, NUP's Ronald Kato and Ismail Kasule of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT).
Ronald Tumusime, who contested with Bategeka in the NRM primaries but later stepped aside, asked party supporters to prioritise unity ahead of the polls.
"Let's bury our differences and rally behind our NRM members. We should not divide ourselves over small issues. Let's focus on the bigger agenda, which is ensuring Hoima City remains NRM," Tumusime said.
Faiby Mildred, chairperson of Bategeka's campaign task force, assured voters that their concerns would not be forgotten if he is elected.
"Everywhere we go we note the issues, and we shall ensure that once we win, we follow up on them. We shall not be like others who appear only during campaign time. We shall remain in touch with the people who give us the mandate to represent them," she said.
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