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Mushemeza and Kamuntu are battling for Sheema South seat
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Sheema
The battle for Sheema South has intensified into a heated showdown between two professors—Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, the NRM flag bearer, and Prof. Elijah Dickens Mushemeza, the incumbent MP now running as an independent. Their rivalry, rooted in a disputed NRM primary election, is shaping the 2026 parliamentary race.
Speaking during a rally in Bugongi Town Council on November 27, 2025, Prof. Kamuntu warned that NRM members who return as independents after losing primaries threaten the unity of the party.
“Those NRM members who insist on coming back as independents do not respect the party values of patriotism, democracy, pan-Africanism, and socio-economic transformation,” he said, urging supporters to back official flag bearers.
Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu holding the NRM flag addressing a rallyin Bugongi Town Council over the weekend
Kamuntu’s remarks followed Mushemeza’s refusal to rally behind him after losing the NRM primary. Mushemeza petitioned the NRM Electoral Commission Tribunal, alleging voter bribery and the removal of his supporters from the register—claims the tribunal dismissed as baseless.
In the July 17 NRM primaries, Kamuntu polled 16,442 votes, defeating Mushemeza, who garnered 11,616. Despite the loss, Mushemeza declared he would contest as an independent in 2026, setting the stage for a dramatic face-off between two academicians and seasoned political figures.
This is not the first time the two have gone head-to-head. Their rivalry dates back years. In the 2021 general elections, Mushemeza edged out Kamuntu by a margin of just 204 votes, securing 12,862 votes against Kamuntu’s 12,658.
Meanwhile, residents continue to raise concerns over stalled government projects which have taken centre stage in the constituency’s development debates.
Kitagata Hospital Upgrade: Local leaders have repeatedly called for the hospital to be elevated to regional referral status due to overstretched capacity.
Kabwohe–Kitagata–Kabira–Rukungiri Road: Despite being in government plans for years, the road remains untarmacked. Kamuntu has pledged to lobby for its upgrade, saying poor road conditions hinder trade and transport.
Shuuku–Matsyoro Water Project: Launched in 2018 to serve over 100,000 people, the project has left many rural and hilly areas—such as Kasaana, Rugarama, and Shuuku—without piped water.
“For five years, our people in the hilly areas have not benefited because no one lobbied for a booster pump,” Kamuntu said. “A leader must fight for such essentials if the community is to get water.”
“You cannot have a major water project serving over 100,000 people and still leave whole communities dry. If elected, I will ensure every missing component is secured so water reaches even the hard-to-reach areas,” he added.
Electricity Extension: Although distribution has improved under UEDCL, several villages remain unconnected. In parts of Shuuku Town Council and Kitagata Sub-county, electricity poles erected nearly five years ago remain unused—some rotting, others cut for firewood.
Proposed Shuuku Tea Factory: The long-awaited tea-processing factory remains a priority for local leaders but has yet to materialise, frustrating residents.
Beda Ninyikiriza, a resident of Kyamanengyere Village in Rugarama Sub-county, said gaps in service delivery are shaping voters’ decisions. He added that if an independent candidate wins, some residents fear service delivery may remain slow, citing Mushemeza’s earlier challenges in securing key projects after running as an independent in 2021.
Kamuntu has pledged to fast-track major projects, including upgrading Kitagata Hospital, extending piped water to hilly areas, and advocating for the tarmacking of the Kabwohe–Kitagata–Kabira–Rukungiri road.
Prof. Elijah Mushemeza, running as an independent, has promised to continue community sensitisation, improve access to spring water, and advocate for better healthcare.
Other candidates in the race include Nuwandinda Aggrey (NUP), Arinaitwe Emmanuel Rwamugundu (PFF), and Niwenyesiga Emmanuel (Independent).
Torch Media Africa
