Dr. Kirk Fixer Wilson Sanya Eyes NRM Flag for Koboko Municipality MP Seat, Vows to Elevate Region to Border City Status

Dr. Kirk Fixer Wilson Sanya, the current Mayor of Koboko Municipality and a prominent voice in local governance, has officially been nominated to contest for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag for Member of Parliament, Koboko Municipality. Dr. Sanya joins a list of ambitious contenders seeking to unseat the incumbent, Dr. Charles Ayume, in the upcoming 2026 general elections.

A Proven Leader in Urban Development and Regional Integration

Dr. Sanya has served as Mayor of Koboko Municipality since 2016, during which time he has led transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening urban governance, boosting service delivery, and enhancing Koboko's regional profile. He currently serves as the President of the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU), and Chairperson of the East African County and Local Governments Association (EACLGA), affirming his leadership credentials both at national and regional levels.

One of Dr. Sanya’s key campaign promises is to lobby for the elevation of Koboko Municipality to border city status, citing its strategic location as a commercial and logistical hub connecting Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan. “Koboko’s location is not only strategic but also rich with economic potential. Upgrading it to a border city would unlock unprecedented growth opportunities,” said Dr. Sanya.

Champion of Refugee Integration and Global Advocacy

Dr. Sanya has also positioned himself as a global advocate for refugee-hosting secondary cities, drawing international attention to the challenges and opportunities presented by urban refugee settlement. Speaking at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum (GRF), he urged donors and international agencies to channel direct funding to municipalities like Koboko which are bearing the brunt of hosting large refugee populations.

“Secondary cities hosting large populations of refugees need accurate data to attract direct funding. This will help cities integrate urban refugees and build their capacity to fulfil their role in meeting and contributing to global agendas,” said Dr. Sanya at the GRF.

He further emphasized that refugee integration is not just a humanitarian responsibility but an economic opportunity—and pledged to follow up on securing international support to strengthen Koboko’s urban systems.

Achievements as Mayor

Under his leadership as Mayor, the education sector in Koboko has seen notable improvements. Investments in school infrastructure, teacher training, and partnerships with development agencies have elevated education standards and increased school enrollment. Dr. Sanya has also prioritized road maintenance, waste management, and community engagement in municipal planning.

His dual leadership roles at UAAU and EACLGA have given him unique insights into intergovernmental collaboration, border region development, and the decentralization of public services—key issues he promises to take to Parliament if elected.

Loyalty and Local Sentiment

Koboko District leaders and residents have voiced strong support for Dr. Sanya’s candidacy. Many believe the district’s longstanding loyalty to the NRM—spanning nearly four decades—warrants more recognition and investment from the central government.

“There is a growing sense that Koboko has been loyal and exemplary in supporting the NRM. Now is the time for government pledges to be fulfilled,” said one district elder during Dr. Sanya’s nomination event.

Dr. Sanya is one of several aspirants vying for the NRM flag as the party gears up for its internal elections, with nominations for parliamentary, district, and city mayoral flag bearers set to close on June 30, 2025. The internal elections are scheduled for July 16, 2025.

As the race intensifies, Dr. Sanya brings to the table a solid track record of results, a forward-looking agenda for urban development, and a powerful voice for local governments both in Uganda and across East Africa. His candidacy is poised to shape the political landscape in Koboko and could mark a pivotal shift in the region’s representation at the national level.

About Dr. Kirk Fixer Wilson Sanya:

Mayor of Koboko Municipality (2016–present)

President, Urban Authorities Association of Uganda

Chairperson, East African County and Local Governments Association

Advocate for urban refugee integration

Champion for upgrading Koboko to border city status

If elected, Dr. Sanya promises to be a bridge between local needs and national action, emphasizing regional development, cross-border trade, education, and refugee inclusion as cornerstones of his legislative agenda.