LUCKY P
The Chairperson of the Tooro Elders Forum, Prof. Edward B. Rugumayo, has urged leaders, candidates and citizens in the Tooro region to prioritize peace, unity and issue-based politics as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections.
Addressing a regional stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Tooro Civil Society Organization Network (TOORONET) today held at Ataco country resort in Fort Portal tourism city, Prof. Rugumayo said elections should go beyond political competition and serve as a platform for renewing Uganda’s commitment to democracy, accountability and inclusive development.
Rule of law
He reminded political actors that the Constitution vests power in the people and called on all stakeholders including candidates, supporters, security agencies and the Electoral Commission to strictly adhere to electoral laws governing presidential, parliamentary and local government elections.
He cautioned politicians against using divisive language, intimidation and vote inducements, noting that poverty has increasingly commercialized politics. Instead, he urged candidates to focus on the real needs of citizens as outlined in the Citizens’ Charter developed by TOORONET.
Urgent requirements of Tooro
According to Prof. Rugumayo, the shared aspirations of the people of Tooro include peace, quality healthcare, improved education, clean water, better agriculture, jobs for youth, women’s inclusion, good roads and markets, and accountable leadership.
He also reminded voters and candidates of the mandates of elected leaders, noting that Members of Parliament and councilors play a critical role in advocacy and oversight to ensure government plans translate into tangible development at the local level.
Calling unity the region’s greatest strength, Prof. Rugumayo urged collective action against corruption and highlighted key development priorities, including revitalizing the tea industry, supporting agro-input subsidies, promoting value addition, developing industrial parks, improving roads such as the Fort Portal–Kampala highway, expanding electricity access, developing markets and investing in sports infrastructure.
He further stressed the importance of environmental conservation and tourism development, citing Tooro’s rich natural and cultural heritage, and called for improved disaster management and regional promotion.
Prof. Rugumayo also emphasized that investing in youth and women is essential for long-term prosperity, saying their empowerment would drive innovation and secure the future of the region.