
Tayebwa Urges Mitooma Voters to Support Otafiire and End ‘One-Term Politics’.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Thomas Tayebwa, has called on the people of Mitooma District to stop changing their legislators every election cycle. Speaking as the MP for Ruhinda North, Tayebwa emphasized the importance of retaining experienced leaders to ensure the district’s continued representation at high levels of government.
Tayebwa, who also serves as the Deputy Speaker, highlighted the potential losses Mitooma would face if voters continued to seek new legislators every term. He pointed out that the district currently benefits from having influential officials such as Gen Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Ruhinda South), Donozio Kahonda, the Ruhinda County MP, and Woman MP Juliet Bashiisha.
“We are fortunate to have Gen Otafiire in the Cabinet, which gives Mitooma a strong voice at the national level. Do you really want to lose that just to change an MP?” Tayebwa questioned, stressing the significance of maintaining experienced representatives.
The Deputy Speaker’s message seems to be part of a broader strategy from the Cabinet, advocating for the electorate to allow their leaders more than one term to effectively serve their constituents. This sentiment was echoed by the State Minister for Cooperatives, Mr. Fredrick Ngobi, who recently advised voters in Bunyole West constituency in Butaleja District against frequent changes in their MPs. Ngobi argued that such changes hinder long-term developmental projects, as leaders may prioritize short-term political gains.
As the 2026 elections approach, many of those who contested and lost in the previous election in Bunyole West have already expressed interest in challenging the incumbent, Geoffrey Mutiwa. This situation mirrors the growing concern among current leaders about the detrimental effects of ‘one-term politics.’
To further solidify this stance, Tayebwa dispelled any rumors of a rift between him and Gen Otafiire. He denounced those who used past interactions between the two to suggest discord, asserting his full support for Otafiire. “Some opportunistic people have tried to use my name to imply that there is a rift between us. Let me make it clear: I fully support Gen Otafiire and will campaign for him,” Tayebwa declared.
During a courtesy visit to Woman MP Bashiisha, who was celebrating a belated Women’s Day in Mitooma, Tayebwa underscored the unity among the district’s current legislators. He pledged that they would campaign together, presenting a united front to the voters.
“As the current leaders of Mitooma, we will stand together on the same platform to ask for your votes, and we will see how those who spread division respond,” he said, urging voters to consider the stability and experience of their leaders. “‘Obwebembezi ti mpa ndeeseho’ [loosely translated as leadership is not for trial and error], think twice when the time comes.”
Tayebwa also announced that President Museveni would visit Mitooma on July 28 as the chief guest for his thanksgiving and his parents’ 43rd wedding anniversary. This visit underscores the significance of the unity and continuity that Tayebwa and his colleagues are advocating for.
Tayebwa’s message to the Mitooma voters is clear: retaining experienced leaders like Gen Otafiire is crucial for the district’s representation and development. The call for ending ‘one-term politics’ is a plea for stability and long-term planning, which, according to Tayebwa and his fellow leaders, is essential for the district’s progress.