When a dozen of big shots from the Defence Ministry gathered at Mutolere to fundraise for Rwingwe Health Centre III, one could see a display of allies, connection, influence and strength touted by the Bufumbira East legislator, Dr James Nsaba Buturo.

As the race for 2026 slowly gains momentum, close to Shillings 300 million was collected towards the construction of Maternity and Pediatric wards at Rwingwe Health Centre III, on Saturday June 29. 

The Health Centre is located in Rwingwe Parish, Nyakabande Sub County.

The function pulled dozens of politicians and officials from Ministry of Defence, where Dr Buturo’s wife, Ms Edith Buturo, serves as the Undersecretary for Finance and Administration.

Organized by Dr Buturo, the function was held at Mashaka playground, with Hamson Denis Obua, the Government Chief Whip, representing the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon Jacob Markson Oboth Oboth as the Chief Guest. 

Hon Obua asked the people of Kisoro to collectively work towards the completion of the project to save mothers from moving long distances to deliver babies. 

Dr. Buturo, who was the chief mobilizer, pledged to support the project to its completion, adding that the funds collected could not complete the work ahead.

“I heartily thank all of you for coming to help us build for the health of children and mothers. But today’s collection, however good, will not complete the work at our health centre. We shall meet here again next year for the same cause, and please come in big numbers.”

Other guests in attendance included the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Lt Gen. Sam Okiding, the State Minister for Veteran Affairs Hon Huda Oleru Abason and her counterpart for Defence, also the Kisoro Woman Representative, Hon Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke.

Also present was Lt Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, the Commander of Land Forces in UPDF, Brig General Felix Kulayigye, the UPDF spokesperson and his deputy Col. Deo Akiki.

The proprietors of Voice of Muhabura Mr and Mrs Tom Mugenga delivered 10 bags of cement as a contribution to the project.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rtd Gen Kale Kayihura appreciated the UPDF leadership ‘for not betraying our historical mission which was stated in the bush that we are the people’s army’.

“Seeing most members of the UPDF High Command should not surprise you. They know that what is being done here is about mothers and children. When they recruit, they want health recruits. Coming here is therefore testament to the ideology of the UPDF, that we are the people’s army.” Kayihura said.

The former IGP also rooted for health lives through hygiene, good nutrition and body exercise, saying ‘health care is not simply having hospitals, but starts at home with good hygiene and nutrition.’

No Political Sentiments

Although no political sentiments were exhibited at the function, it was a show of strength as big shots converged at Mutolere on the call of Dr Buturo.

Ahead of 2026, Dr Buturo faces competition from the Chairperson Kisoro District Land Board, Mr Roland Kanya Nkrumah and LC5 Chairperson Abel Bizimana.

It is however said that money bags have shifted goal posts from Bizimana to Kanya, in the run up to 2026.

Just of recent, Mr Bizimana declared he had won himself a sponsor to secure the seat from the former Ethics and Integrity Minister, but sources say he ran out of favour.

The Doctoral student has calmed his tempers, vowing not to relent but try his luck in 2026, premised on “the electorate love me enough.”

On the other hand, the soft-spoken Kanya has made less public appearance, with the alleged sponsor poised to ‘make him great.’