In a race where PR blitzes and political posturing often take center stage, one candidate is quietly building a wave of real grassroots support that is surprising many — Karuyonga Ritah Adyeeri, affectionately known as Queen, the NRM flagbearer for Fort Portal Tourism City Woman MP.
While others are busy in boardrooms and radio talk shows, Karuyonga is on the ground—riding alongside boda boda riders, cheering local football tournaments, and visiting farmers in the villages.
“She came to our stage herself, not just sending people,” says John Kabagambe, a boda boda leader in Kasusu. “She understands that we too are the heartbeat of the city. Many riders will vote Queen!”
At a recent youth football tournament sponsored through her KARI Foundation, Karuyonga emphasized her passion for youth empowerment through sports and skills development.
“Sports is unity. I want to see our youth excelling both on the field and in life,” she told the crowd at Kisenyi Playground, drawing loud cheers from attendees.
Farmers too are feeling her presence.
“She sat with us in the garden,” says Ruth Kyomuhendo, a coffee farmer in Kitumba. “She listened to our struggles about markets and promised to champion policies that favor local farmers.”
Unlike competitors riding on media hype, Karuyonga’s NRM-aligned vision resonates on the ground: promoting tourism, enhancing urban infrastructure, and advancing culture and governance, in line with the government’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
An ardent supporter of the Tooro Kingdom, Karuyonga often participates in Kingdom cultural events and champions Tooro’s rich heritage.
“She respects our culture and is ready to market it for tourism,” says Patrick Mugisha, a craftsman in Nyakagongo.
As an educated young woman, grounded in her community and carrying NRM values of unity, development, and patriotism, she is quickly winning support from all demographics.
“Unlike others who appear every five years, Queen is here with us daily,” says Ali Kamara, a youth leader. “This underdog will shock many.”
With solid support from youth, women, farmers, and cultural groups, Karuyonga Ritah Adyeeri is not just running—she’s reshaping the race.
Fort Portal Tourism City is watching—and the so-called underdog may very well be crowned winner in 2026.
