Politics 15 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Fort Portal Mayor Seeks Closer Ties with Museveni to Boost Tourism
Newly sworn-in Fort Portal City Mayor Rev Willy Kintu Muhanga aims to forge a stronger partnership with President Museveni and the central government to enhance the city's development and tourism potential. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/reverand-once-detained-over-presidential-pledges-seeks-closer-ties-with-museveni-to-boost-tourism-5461432
Fort Portal City Mayor, Rev Willy Kintu Muhanga, has expressed a strong desire to collaborate closely with President Yoweri Museveni and the central government. His primary goal is to accelerate the development of Uganda’s designated ‘Tourism City’.
Rev Muhanga, an independent candidate who secured victory in the recent elections, plans to advocate for increased institutional and financial backing for the western Ugandan city. A key proposal is to relocate the Uganda Tourism Board headquarters and potentially the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to Fort Portal.
“I am going to make sure that I actually work hand in hand with the office of the President. I am going to request the President, at least we have the Uganda Tourism Board seat in Fort Portal,” Rev Muhanga stated. He emphasized the importance of aligning the city’s tourism status with the presence of national tourism bodies.
Despite its reputation as a tourism hub, Fort Portal faces underfunding challenges. The Mayor intends to seek dedicated budget allocations from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Road infrastructure is another major concern. Rev Muhanga’s administration will prioritize road upgrades, seeking support from the Ministries of Works, Finance, and Tourism to improve connectivity within the city.
Beyond infrastructure, the Mayor is committed to transforming Fort Portal into one of Uganda’s cleanest cities through stricter enforcement of sanitation regulations and public awareness campaigns. He also plans to establish international partnerships with other tourism cities to enhance urban management and elevate Fort Portal’s global profile.
The new city executive includes Ms. Kabajwara Margaret as Deputy Mayor, Ms. Margaret Kihika as Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, Mr. Sabiti Jorum Kinuge for Works and Technical Services, and Ms. Amutuhaire Rosemary Hadijja overseeing Production and Natural Resources. Mr. Mugume William was elected Speaker of the council, with youth councillor Joshua Tuwiine as his deputy.