By Andrew Irumba
Fort Portal’s political landscape is undergoing a significant recalibration following the emergence of Joram Bintamanya, popularly known as Omukono Gwe’kyoma, as the newly elected Mayor for Central Division. His rise is not merely an electoral victory—it signals a deeper ideological shift rooted in grassroots mobilisation, civic resistance, and a people-funded political model.
Bintamanya has officially confirmed that his swearing-in ceremony will take place on May 18, 2026, at Boma Grounds in Fort Portal City. Speaking during an exclusive interview with Spy Uganda’s Andrew Irumba on Friday evening in Kampala, the mayor-elect extended an open invitation to the people of Tooro, underscoring that they are the very financiers of his political journey.
“This is their function, they financed it, mobilized themselves, voted me and protected their vote, so why should I send invitations yet it’s their function? How can someone invite you at your own function,” Joram wondered. “Boma grounds will open to all people of Tooro. I have already secured over 10 cows 🐄 from the very voters for slaughtering,” he added.
He reiterated that his leadership is fundamentally people-centred, anchored on a social contract where accountability is owed directly to the citizens who facilitated his campaign. In a deliberate departure from conventional campaign norms—where candidates often distribute money to voters—Bintamanya inverted the model, insisting that electorates should instead invest in leaders. According to him, this approach eliminates the transactional nature of politics, where elected officials prioritise recouping campaign expenditures over public service delivery.
”In America, 🇺🇸 Obama, Trump, Bill Clinton etc, are funded by party members and well wishers. There’s no way such a leader can come to power fails to serve the interests of the people. But in Uganda, politicians are buying votes, when they get to office they want to recover their money. I’m changing that in Tooro,” Joram revealed.
Bintamanya’s political philosophy is deeply entrenched in participatory governance, equity, and institutional accountability. He has consistently positioned himself as a reformist voice challenging entrenched patronage systems that have long defined local politics.
His appeal resonates strongly among marginalised and economically strained communities, many of whom identify with his critique of inequality, unemployment, and systemic inefficiencies in service delivery. His rhetoric often reflects a broader socio-political awakening, particularly among the urban poor.
A Contentious Defender Of Land Rights
A defining feature of Bintamanya’s activism has been his outspoken stance on land rights within the Tooro sub-region. He has previously taken centre stage in high-profile disputes involving the Tooro Kingdom, particularly during attempts to evict residents under contested circumstances.
In those confrontations, he openly challenged actions linked to the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, positioning himself as a defender of vulnerable communities against what he described as illegal evictions. While critics have occasionally labelled his approach as confrontational, his supporters view it as principled resistance against systemic injustice in land governance.
The “We’re Angry And Hungry” Declaration
Bintamanya gained national attention following his emotionally charged remarks at the burial of a Uganda People’s Defence Forces soldier connected to the fatal shooting of State Minister Col. (Rtd) Charles Engola. During the burial, he declared, “We’re angry and hungry,” a statement that quickly evolved into a powerful expression of public frustration over economic hardship and social inequality.
The phrase has since become emblematic of his political messaging, encapsulating the grievances of many Ugandans grappling with rising living costs and limited economic opportunities.
A New Political Equation In Fort Portal
As Fort Portal City prepares for his formal assumption of office, expectations are mounting regarding his ability to transition from activism to governance. Observers will be keenly watching whether his administration can translate populist rhetoric into tangible improvements in service delivery, urban management, and economic empowerment.
His ascent reflects a broader transformation in local politics—where grassroots financing, ideological clarity, and civic engagement are increasingly challenging traditional patronage-driven systems.
Whether this model proves sustainable remains to be seen, but for now, Joram Bintamanya stands as a formidable symbol of a shifting political consciousness in Tooro—assertive, people-driven, and reform-oriented.
TheSpy Television will cover this event live from Fort Portal, the City he claims gave Uganda the title; “Pearl of Africa”.
