Despite his age, Ganafa says he remains physically fit, experienced and committed to continuing his service to the people of Katete Central.
As campaigns for Uganda’s 2026 Local Council One (LC1) elections intensify, an 82-year-old village leader in Mbarara City is seeking another term after serving his community continuously for 40 years.
Ganafa Eric William, the LC1 Chairperson of Katete Central Cell, has held the office since 1986, making him one of Uganda’s longest-serving village chairpersons.
Despite his age, Ganafa says he remains physically fit, experienced and committed to continuing his service to the people of Katete Central.
Before joining local leadership, he worked as a mechanic in the Defence and Construction Department during the Obote II government. He also says he supported President Yoweri Museveni’s National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation struggle by helping supply food to fighters during the bush war.
Looking back on his four decades in office, Ganafa attributes his longevity to maintaining close relationships with residents, listening to their concerns and working with people of all generations.
According to him, trust, accessibility and dedication to community service have enabled him to retain the confidence of voters throughout the years.
If given another mandate, Ganafa says improving security will be his top priority. He plans to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and residents to enhance neighbourhood safety, including supporting the formation of community vigilante groups where necessary.
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His decision to seek re-election comes as thousands of candidates across Uganda campaign for village leadership positions ahead of the 2026 LC1 elections, with voters expected to elect leaders who will oversee grassroots governance for the next term.
Ganafa’s remarkable 40-year tenure has attracted attention as a rare example of long-serving local leadership. As residents prepare to cast their ballots, many will weigh the value of his experience against calls for fresh leadership and new ideas at the grassroots level.