By Jamillah Kemigisa
In a high-stakes contest for the Fort Portal City mayoral flag, Aheebwa Albert James has emerged victorious in the NRM primaries, securing 5,900 votes—44% of the 13,531 total ballots cast. The official results were announced by NRM returning officer Nikurungi Alice on the evening of July 24, 2025.
Primary Results:
| Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Aheebwa Albert James | 5,900 | 44% |
| Kihunde Sylvia | 3,306 | 25% |
| Kamara Adolf Ruhweta | 2,453 | 18% |
| Marunga Stella | 1,624 | 12% |
| Kazikor David Guina | 218 | 2% |
“I therefore declare Aheebwa Albert James, who has polled the highest number of votes—5,900 representing 44%—as the duly elected NRM flag bearer for Fort Portal City Mayor, 2025,” announced Ms. Nikurungi at 10:25 PM, from the NRM district offices in Fort Portal.
Aheebwa currently serves as Speaker of Fort Portal City Council, where he has earned a reputation for championing urban development and transparent governance. His tenure has included support for progressive reforms, including the privatization of waste management services, aimed at maintaining Fort Portal’s distinction as Uganda’s cleanest city.
He has also spearheaded citywide campaigns such as “Keep Fort Portal Clean,” while advocating for improved service delivery, better sanitation, and policies that benefit both residents and small business owners.
Aheebwa’s leadership journey is deeply rooted in a legacy of public service. He is the son of Steven Kaliba, former MP for Fort Portal Municipality and former Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa) of the Tooro Kingdom—a respected figure known for championing regional development.
In June 2025, Aheebwa marked a personal milestone by completing a Master’s degree in Human Rights from Makerere University, further cementing his role as a leader with both intellectual and political gravitas.
Aheebwa’s decisive win is seen by political observers as a strong endorsement from across the NRM grassroots. Party insiders describe his victory as a mandate for accountability, policy innovation, and rural-urban integration.
With the NRM primaries concluded, Aheebwa now turns to the broader race in the 2026 general elections, where he is widely regarded as a leading contender.
“This victory belongs to the people of Fort Portal who believe in clean leadership, inclusive governance, and transformative development,” he said in a brief post-election statement.
If successful in the general elections, Aheebwa will be tasked with steering the city’s future at a time when urban sustainability, public health, and youth employment remain pressing priorities.
