Sheema | 15th September 2025
Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, the embattled former UPC heavyweight turned NRM sympathizer, is facing growing pressure and public outrage over what many in Sheema South are calling the “theft” of the NRM party flag in the recent primaries.
Kamuntu, who was ejected from Parliament in the 2021 elections, has been accused of orchestrating a fraudulent political comeback by manipulating the NRM internal electoral process—a move seen by many as a betrayal of democratic principles and a slap in the face to genuine party loyalists.
Sources inside the NRM reveal that Kamuntu, sensing an imminent and humiliating defeat at the hands of his longtime political rival Prof. Elijah Mushemeza, colluded with a clique of compromised officials within the NRM Electoral Commission to unlawfully secure the party flag. Local leaders and grassroots members have called the process a “sham,” accusing Kamuntu of deploying underhanded UPC-era tactics to cling to power.
“Everyone saw what happened. Mushemeza was clearly the people’s choice. Kamuntu couldn’t win cleanly, so he resorted to bribery and blackmail,” said one senior NRM insider who preferred anonymity for fear of retaliation.
This latest controversy adds to Kamuntu’s deteriorating political credibility. Despite holding power for years, his tenure has been widely criticized as ineffective, with little to show in terms of tangible development for Sheema South. In contrast, Prof. Mushemeza has won accolades across the constituency for championing education, infrastructure, and local economic empowerment.
In a recent twist, Mushemeza issued a public apology to teachers after previous remarks during their industrial action caused friction. The apology was well-received, disarming Kamuntu of one of his main political weapons—a smear campaign built around that very controversy. In desperation, Kamuntu had even mobilized local musicians to produce anti-Mushemeza songs ahead of the primaries. But now, with Mushemeza regaining the moral high ground, Kamuntu has been politically cornered.
Privately, even Kamuntu’s inner circle appears divided. Sources close to the family reveal that some relatives have urged him to step down to avoid a second public humiliation, warning that the political tide is overwhelmingly against him.
“It’s no longer about loyalty to the party or legacy. It’s now about saving face. Kamuntu is risking total disgrace,” a family confidant disclosed.
Yet Kamuntu refuses to back down, seemingly determined to bulldoze his way back into Parliament—regardless of the ethical or political cost. But with public sentiment swinging decisively towards Mushemeza, many observers predict a repeat of 2021: a crushing defeat that will permanently seal Kamuntu’s political fate.
As the 2026 general elections approach, the people of Sheema South are watching closely. Will Kamuntu step aside with whatever dignity he has left—or will he drag the NRM deeper into scandal for the sake of one last failed shot at power?
