By KT Reporter
Reverend Willy Kintu Muhanga has reclaimed the Fort Portal Tourism City mayoral seat following a tightly contested election. Muhanga was officially declared the winner on Thursday night by the Fort Portal City Returning Officer, Isaac Byamugisha, at the Electoral Commission offices in Bukwali, Fort Portal City.
According to the official results, Muhanga secured 11,801 votes out of a total of 23,863 votes cast. He defeated Albert Aheebwa of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who polled 11,399 votes, and Sylvia Kihunde, an independent candidate, who received 224 votes. Aheebwa is the current Speaker of the Fort Portal City Council.
Muhanga’s victory marks a return to leadership, having previously served as mayor from 2016 to 2021. He was the city’s first mayor after Fort Portal transitioned from a municipality to city status in 2020. However, he lost the seat in the 2021 elections to Edson Asaba Ruyonga, the outgoing mayor.
Speaking to Uganda Radio Network (URN) shortly after his declaration, Muhanga thanked the people of Fort Portal for renewing their trust in him. He pledged to improve infrastructure, beautify and clean the city, and strengthen service delivery. He added that he intends to build on the progress made in 2021 to ensure sustainable development for the city.
Residents have expressed optimism about Muhanga’s return to office. Davis Rwamuhumbu said he believes the mayor’s leadership will positively impact the city’s development and called on residents to unite for the city’s progress. Another resident, Adolf Mwanguhya, said Fort Portal stands to benefit from Muhanga’s leadership. He urged the mayor to prioritize addressing high taxes and poor road infrastructure affecting residents.
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