
By Alex Don
Fort Portal City — The political atmosphere in Uganda’s Tourism City is heating up with the dramatic return of a seasoned political figure. Former Fort Portal Municipality Mayor, Rev. Willy Kintu Muhanga has officially announced his comeback, unveiling a bold new campaign poster and declaring his candidacy as an independent for the Fort Portal City Mayoral seat in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Rev. Muhanga, a respected leader and man of the cloth, previously served as mayor and left a lasting legacy of leadership, development, and community engagement. Now, with renewed energy and vision, he seeks to reclaim the city’s top seat and continue his mission of transformative leadership.
His main contender is Albert Aheebwa, popularly known as Omurasta, who recently secured the NRM flag. The competition is expected to be intense, with voters split between loyalty to the ruling party and admiration for Rev. Muhanga’s proven track record.
In a statement accompanying the release of his campaign poster, Rev. Muhanga said:
I have returned not for power but to serve. Fort Portal deserves leadership that listens, unites, and delivers. I am here to finish what we started and to usher in a new era of city development that puts people first.
Supporters have already begun rallying behind the cleric-turned-politician, citing his humility, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to community values. His past tenure saw improvements in sanitation, urban planning, and grassroots engagement.
Rev. Muhanga is not just a politician; he’s a leader with a heart. His return gives us hope for honest and inclusive leadership in our city.
As the race unfolds, Fort Portal will witness a powerful contest between party machinery and independent experience — both vying for the trust and future of a city at a critical point in its development.