Kasese, Uganda — October 22, 2025
By Joseph Mary Buwule
Makerere University Chancellor and veteran politician Dr. Crispus Kiyonga has been officially nominated as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Bukonzo West Constituency in Kasese District, ahead of the 2026 general elections.
After nomination he went to Bwera for his manifesto launch.
A long-serving statesman and one of the NRM historical figures, Dr. Kiyonga has previously held several key positions in government, including Minister of Defence. His nomination marks a strong return to elective politics, anchored on a renewed vision to transform Bukonzo West and improve the livelihoods of its residents.
Speaking to journalists shortly after his nomination, Dr. Kiyonga said his parliamentary bid is built on two main pillars — promoting food security and driving communities into the money economy.
“I have come to make things change in Bukonzo West,” Dr. Kiyonga stated. “This time, my focus will be on ensuring that every household is food secure and that people actively engage in income-generating activities that can sustainably lift them out of poverty.”
He emphasized the coffee sector as a central focus of his development agenda, describing it as a powerful tool for economic empowerment in Kasese and beyond.
“We must empower our communities to grow more coffee,” he noted. “Coffee has immense potential to transform lives. Once elected, I will work to secure reliable markets for our produce — both within Uganda and internationally, especially in markets like China.”
Dr. Kiyonga outlined plans to help farmers tap into the global coffee value chain, which contributes trillions of shillings to Uganda’s economy annually. His strategy includes training farmers, improving access to quality seedlings, and strengthening market linkages to enhance profitability and sustainability for local producers.
Beyond his constituency-focused agenda, Dr. Kiyonga urged the people of Kasese and Ugandans across the country to continue supporting the NRM and its Presidential Candidate, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom he praised for providing stable leadership and a clear roadmap for national development.
“The time is now for the people of Kasese and all Ugandans to rally behind the NRM and its visionary leadership,” he said. “Together, we can consolidate the progress made and achieve a qualitative leap into a high middle-income economy.”
Having previously represented Bukonzo West for several terms, Dr. Kiyonga expressed confidence that his experience and renewed energy will enable him to deliver tangible results for his constituents.
“I have served before, and I know what it takes to deliver. This time, I am coming back with renewed energy and a clear mission to complete what we started,” he added.
As Uganda heads toward the 2026 elections, Dr. Kiyonga’s nomination signals the return of one of the country’s most seasoned political figures — bringing with him decades of leadership experience, a deep connection to his people, and a focused vision for agriculture, trade, and community empowerment in the Kasese region.
According to the Electoral Commission, campaigns for nominated Members of Parliament will officially begin on November 10, 2025.
